KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Wan Saiful Wan Jan, a lawmaker from Bersatu, has claimed that the money laundering charges brought against him are an attempt by the government to divert the attention of the public from actual issues. He argued that instead of addressing the pressing problems faced by the people, the government is resorting to charging him in order to conceal their perceived “failures.”
Speaking to reporters outside the court on Wednesday (Oct 25), Wan Saiful stated, “The charges made against me are just an effort to distract the rakyat from various failures made by the government.”
Today, the Tasek Gelugor MP pleaded not guilty in the Sessions Court to 18 money laundering charges involving a total sum of over RM5.59 million.
In addition, Wan Saiful remarked that the charges against him were hastily made, to the extent that there was an error in the initial hearing. “When I entered the first courtroom, I was expecting to hear the charges. However, I was granted a discharge not amounting to an acquittal (DNAA) even before hearing the charges against me,” he explained. The case was then transferred to another courtroom, and the charges were eventually read.
Originally, the charges were supposed to be heard before Sessions Court Judge Rozina Ayob. However, due to an administrative mistake, the deputy public prosecutor requested a “DNAA” during the filing of charges, resulting in the case being transferred to Judge Suzana Hussin.
Wan Saiful called on the government to swiftly implement legal reforms after assuming administration from Perikatan Nasional. He also urged the government to stop making excuses in order to delay the promised reforms. “I’m aware that there are studies being conducted to look into these reforms. But I’m afraid that would just be an excuse to further delay the implementation,” he expressed.
Despite the charges, Wan Saiful declared that he would continue to appear in court to prove his innocence. “I accept this fate and I will attend the court proceedings to clear my name,” he affirmed.
The charges have been filed under Section 4(1)(b) of the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001 (Amla). If convicted, Wan Saiful could face a maximum prison sentence of 15 years and a fine equal to at least five times the gratification amount, or RM5 million, whichever is higher.
In February, Wan Saiful was also charged with two counts of corruption totaling approximately RM6.9 million, linked to the Jana Wibawa program. His attempt to have the corruption charges dismissed was unsuccessful in July when the application was rejected by the Sessions Court. Judge Rozina Ayob, who presided over the case, ordered the trial to proceed, and it is scheduled to begin in March next year.
