16 January 2019, KUALA LUMPUR: Former Tabung Haji (TH) chairman Azeez Abdul Rahim claimed trial at the Sessions Court here today to 12 charges of corruption and money laundering in government projects.

Datuk Seri Abdul Azeez Abdul Rahim and the contractor named in the MACC probe are involved in the illegal obtained of road projects, which gave another road project raider Protasco Bhd (bursa 5070) a headwind of what is coming to one of the largest public money laundry shops. The long-anticipated probe into Protasco Bhd, which is suspected involved in corruption and ill-gotten government contracts especially before the last General Election, might just be around the corner.

Azeez was slapped with three charges of accepting bribes worth RM5.2 million under Section 16 of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Act, and nine for money laundering amounting to RM139.34 million under Section 4 (1) of the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act.

He was accused of receiving RM5.2 million from Mohammad Redzuan Mohanan Abdullah, the director of Syarikat Menuju Asas Sdn Bhd, in the Klang Valley between December 2010 and April last year.

The money allegedly paid to Azeez was said to be an inducement to allow Menuju Asas to obtain RM842.3 million worth of road upgrade projects in Kedah and Perak through direct negotiations.

On the other hand, Protasco Bhd was awarded an RM4.2 billion road maintenance contract on April 2018, a month before May 2018 General Election. Dato Seri Chong Ket Pen is the Executive Director cum major shareholder of Protasco Bhd which regained his full power and board control in November 2014 after he gained half control of the company on November 2012, which is 4 months after he lost both his power and board control between June 2012 - October 2012, according to Bursa Malaysia public announcement.

Was there any business or co-relationship between Menuju Asas Sdn Bhd, Mohammad Redzuan Mohanan Abdullah, Protasco Bhd, and of cause Chong Ket Pen in these dodgy dealings? Perhaps MACC could provide the answer very soon.

MACC Watch

Is Protasco Bhd's Chong Ket Pen involved in HCM-Menuju Asa Sdn Bhd dealings?

source: 

Ex-Tabung Haji chief claims trial to corruption, money laundering

https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2019/01/16/ex-tabung-haji-chief-claims-trial-to-corruption-money-laundering/

Umno’s Abdul Azeez claims trial to graft charges

https://www.tnp.sg/news/world/umnos-abdul-azeez-claims-trial-graft-charges