Former Army chief Gen Tan Sri Muhammad Hafizuddeain Jantan today lodged two police reports over the alleged leakage of his banking documents and defamatory statements circulated by an activist on social media.
His lawyer, Aizul Rohan Anuar, said the first report concerns the disclosure of confidential materials, including bank account statements and Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) documents classified as secret.
He said bank statements are protected under Section 133 of the Financial Services Act (FSA) and should not be publicly disclosed.
“We do not know whether the documents were leaked by the banking institution, which is why Tan Sri lodged a police report so investigations can determine the source.
“Authorities may lawfully access such documents for investigations, but it is an offence for ordinary individuals to obtain or circulate them,” he told reporters after accompanying his client to record a statement at the Dang Wangi District Police Headquarters.
Aizul Rohan said the second report relates to false and defamatory statements made by an activist, particularly allegations that Muhammad Hafizuddeain was wearing a luxury watch.
He clarified that the watch in question was a commemorative timepiece issued by the Malaysian Armed Forces, bearing the inscription “Chief of Army Malaysia”.
“Even on the day Tan Sri was charged in court, I personally saw the watch. It was certainly not a Patek Philippe. The issue was manipulated until baseless allegations were made,” he said.
He added that Muhammad Hafizuddeain is now considering civil action against several parties, including those who allegedly defamed him and any banking institutions found to be involved in the document leak.
Earlier, Muhammad Hafizuddeain arrived at the Dang Wangi District Police Headquarters at about 12.30pm to lodge the reports.
On Jan 23, he pleaded not guilty at the Shah Alam Corruption Court to two charges of receiving proceeds from unlawful activities amounting to RM145,000.
A day earlier, he also pleaded not guilty at the Kuala Lumpur Special Corruption Court to four charges involving proceeds totalling RM2.12 million.
