Malaysia’s former armed forces chief claims trial to corruption charges involving over $1.5m

KUALA LUMPUR - Malaysia’s former armed forces chief Mohd Nizam Jaafar has been charged at the Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court with four counts of corruption involving more than RM4.7 million (S$1.5 million).

He pleaded not guilty to two counts of abusing his position, one count of criminal breach of trust and one count of accepting valuables without consideration after they were read out before judge Rosli Ahmad on Jan 23.

For the first and second charges, Nizam is accused of abusing his position for the gratification of more than RM267,000 and RM285,000, by awarding five companies contracts to supply goodies for 2025’s Hari Raya for the Armed Forces Welfare Fund (TKAT).

The companies involved are Sinar Bakti Global, Sinar Raudhah Global, Zahra Jaya Global, QMZ Resources and Helmee Resources, which supplied goodies such as kain pelikat, kain batik, backpacks and towels.

Nizam was charged in his capacity as the Assistant Chief of Staff for Personnel Services (AKSPA) of the Malaysian Armed Forces, who chaired TKAT’s executive committee.

The first two charges were framed under Section 23(1) of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission, which carries imprisonment of up to 20 years and a fine of no less five times the amount of gratification or RM10,000, whichever is higher, if convicted.

For the third charge, Nizam is accused of committing criminal breach of trust on RM3 million that belonged to TKAT by using the monies as an additional investment in Precious Amber International Bhd without the approval of TKAT’s investment committee.

The charge is framed under Section 409 of the Penal Code, which provides for a maximum 20 years in jail and a caning and fine upon conviction.

For the fourth charge, Nizam, who was charged in his capacity as the Armed Forces Chief (PAT), allegedly accepted for himself RM200,000 without consideration from Aspen Red’s director Wan Shafie Abdul Rashid, whereby the individual may be connected to his duties.

The charge under Section 165 of the Penal Code carries imprisonment of up to two years or a fine, or both, if a person is convicted.

Deputy Public Prosecutor Datuk Ahmad Akram Gharib told the court that the accused was charged with non-bailable offences, but did not object if the court wished to exercise its discretion to grant bail.

“We propose a RM300,000 bail in one surety. The accused needs to surrender his passport to the court pending the disposal of the case,” Mr Ahmad Akram said.

Nizam’s lawyer, Mr Abdul Aziz Hamzah, however, asked for a lower amount of RM100,000 for all charges.

“My client had to postpone and reschedule three surgical problems to give way to the investigation. He served the army for 42 years, giving unwavering commitment and loyalty to the armed forces,” Mr Abdul Aziz said.

The lawyer said his client wanted to clear his name through the justice system.

He also said Nizam had family responsibilities, including supporting his parents.

Judge Rosli set bail at RM180,000 in one surety and ordered the accused to surrender his passport to the court.

The case will next be mentioned on March 31. THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK