MACC remands one Warisan, two Umno youth chiefs in Sabah’s rural fund case

KOTA KINABALU: Three members of two political parties were ordered by the Magistrate’s Court here to undergo a five-day remand for investigation of the alleged siphoning of funds meant for rural projects in Sabah.

Magistrate Cindy Mc Juce Balitus made the order on Warisan Youth chief, Dato Mohd Azis Jamman, 43; Tenom Umno Youth chief, Jamawi Jaafar, 43; and Tawau Umno Youth Chief, Ariffin Kassim, 44. They are being investigated under Section 17 (a) of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Act 2009.

MACC deputy public prosecutor Rustam Sanip applied for a seven-day remand, but the court granted five days, which will started from today until October 14.

Hearing of the remand application was made in the magistrate’s chambers and ended at 1.58pm.

In the meantime, the remand of the Parti Warisan Sabah vice president and a businessman who were allegedly involved in the alleged embezzlement of the fund extended for three and four days, respectively.

The 46-year-old politician and 52-year-old company director were brought before the magistrate at 2.01pm and ended at 3pm.

They were also investigated by the MACC under Section 17 (a) of the MACC Act 2009.

Warisan youth chief was represented by counsels Cedric Choo and Norazmi Alimat, Loretto Padua Sipin Jr, while Tenom youth chief was represented by counsels Azhier Farhan Arisin, Shahlan Jusri, Arthur Bonnie and Mohd Razali Razi.

Counsel Hamid Ismail represented the Tawau youth chief.

Counsels Martin Tommy, Cedric Choo, Loretto, Norazmi Alimat and Jaikol Situn represented the 46-year-old politician while counsel Edward Paul represented the director.