The former CEO of UiTM Holdings Sdn Bhd (UHSB) today pleaded not guilty in the Shah Alam Sessions Court to a criminal breach of trust charge involving RM37.37 million in 2017.

Azlizan Fadzil, 52, who arrived at court in a wheelchair, entered the plea after the charge was read before judge Nasir Nordin.

According to the charge, Azlizan, who was UHSB CEO at the time, was entrusted with RM37,374,612.68 for the investment and development of a 50-megawatt large-scale solar photovoltaic power plant in Gambang, Pahang.

He is accused of misappropriating the funds by making payments for purposes unrelated to the project.

The offence allegedly took place at Affin Bank Berhad’s UiTM Shah Alam branch at Level 2, Menara Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah, in Selangor’s Petaling district, between Feb 2 and Oct 2, 2017.

The charge was framed under Section 409 of the Penal Code, which carries a maximum 20-year jail term, whipping, and a possible fine.

Bail sought, health cited

Deputy public prosecutor Law Chin How, appearing with Atirah Azuarizanuddin, proposed bail of RM100,000 and that Azlizan report to the MACC every three months.

“Given that the value of the offence exceeds RM30 million and this is a high-profile case while also considering UiTM’s reputation, the nature of the solar project, and allegations of public fund leakage, this condition is not deemed excessive,” he said.

Defence counsel Hasshahari Johari Mawi, however, sought bail of RM20,000, citing Azlizan’s neurological and physical impairments.

He said a medical report had been submitted to the court, with Law acknowledging that the prosecution had only just received it. The report confirmed that Azlizan had suffered a stroke and was experiencing cognitive impairment.

“Health factors are among the key considerations the court should take into account, as my client no longer has an income after leaving his position, and his living expenses are fully borne by his wife and family members.

“His family members, specifically his wife, also have to support seven children aged between 14 and 21, all of whom are still pursuing their education,” said Hasshahari.

He also argued that Azlizan was unlikely to flee given his health condition and dependence on his wife and family, adding that he could not live independently. He also offered to surrender Azlizan’s passport to the court.

The court subsequently granted bail of RM50,000 with two sureties. It also ordered Azlizan to surrender his passport, report to the nearest MACC office every three months, and refrain from interfering with witnesses.

The court fixed Nov 3 for mention.

MACC probes losses

The MACC previously announced that a former top management official of a corporation would be charged over losses incurred by UHSB, including alleged abuse of power involving operational expense payments totalling about RM42 million to several companies.

In a statement, the anti-graft agency said the male suspect, in his 50s, was arrested at about 1pm yesterday at his residence in the Klang Valley.

Preliminary investigations found that the suspect allegedly committed the offences in 2017 by authorising operational expense payments to several companies in which he was believed to have an interest.

- Bernama

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