Ex-intel chief slapped with CBT charge, RM500,000 bail

(FMT) – Former intelligence head Hasanah Ab Hamid today claimed trial to a charge of criminal breach of trust (CBT) for allegedly misappropriating RM50 million in government funds.

She was accused of misappropriating the funds with which she was entrusted at the Prime Minister’s Department between April 30 and May 9.

If found guilty, she faces a fine and a jail sentence of between two and 20 years.

Hasanah entered the spotlight after the May 9 general election when a letter written to Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) director Gina Haspel asking for Washington’s support for Barisan Nasional was leaked to the public.

The former Malaysian External Intelligence Organisation was arrested in August, reportedly in connection with the alleged misappropriation of government funds for the election.

Seven other individuals were also detained for investigation, while the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) seized cash worth over US$6.3 million from a condominium unit in Cyberjaya.

Hasanah’s letter to the CIA was investigated by the police as well, but top cop Mohamad Fuzi Harun did not reveal details of the probe.

Fiat prosecutor Gopal Sri Ram asked for RM1 million bail and requested that Hasanah surrender her diplomatic passport to the court.

However, Hasanah’s lawyer Shaharudin Ali asked for a reduced amount of RM300,000, arguing that his client’s case had no connection with 1MDB or the earlier cases of Najib Razak and Mohd Irwan Serigar Abdullah.

He also said Hasanah was a retired civil servant.

“She used to receive RM10,000 a month as pension, but the money has been frozen along with her other bank accounts.”

He added that Hasanah did not pose a flight risk and would defend her CBT charge.

After hearing arguments from both sides, judge Azman Ahmad set bail at RM500,000 with two sureties.

He also ordered Hasanah to surrender her passport to the court pending her trial.

Next case mention is on Nov 29.