KUALA LUMPUR – Datuk Seri Muhammad Adlan Berhan, the son-in-law of former prime minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, has denied allegations that he is a fugitive on the run.
Adlan’s lawyer, Datuk Baljit Singh Sidhu, said in a statement that his client has the right to travel to conduct his business in any part of the world.
“The exercise of these rights by our client should not be construed or mischaracterised as an attempt to avoid or stall an investigation,” Baljit said.
Nonetheless, Baljit said that Adlan will return to Malaysia to answer questions and assist the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission with its investigations, granted that “elements of threats and persecution” are off the table.
The lawyer said Adlan sent a letter to the MACC explaining that he was travelling overseas for business, had given the agency a tentative date of return, and expressed concern that a “witch-hunt” and “finger-pointing” were being orchestrated against him.
Baljit added that Adlan has yet to receive a formal reply from the anti-graft body.
However, Baljit noted that Adlan had also highlighted several “abnormalities” regarding the actions taken by the MACC during its investigation.
This included his personal and company accounts being frozen without notice or cause, apart from alleged harassment by the MACC officers.
The lawyer also said Adlan was threatened with being vilified as a fugitive through the media and with arrest upon arrival in Malaysia, apart from being placed under Interpol’s red notice.
Baljit said Adlan was never arrested prior to leaving Malaysia and was never called by the MACC for a meeting or to provide assistance.
“Our client vehemently denies any suggestion that he is not contactable and states that he is in communication with the investigating officer in charge of the investigation,” Baljit said.
“He has always stated that he is prepared to cooperate in any investigation as required by law, but will now countenance any threats against him and his family.”
Baljit also claimed the investigations into Adlan were not conducted objectively within the legal framework and threatened his liberty protected by the constitution.
He said the investigation had also caused Adlan to suffer “immeasurable damage” – financially, socially, and emotionally – and that he would not hesitate to take necessary action to preserve and vindicate his rights under the constitution.
Previously, the MACC announced that Adlan was wanted by the agency to assist in investigations involving alleged corruption and embezzlement relating to the registration, acquisition, and possession of foreign workers’ biometric information in a ministry.
In response, Adlan suggested that the announcement was politically motivated and an attempt to humiliate him ahead of the state elections this Saturday. – August 9, 2023