Former Tabung Haji chairman Datuk Seri Abdul Azeez Abdul Rahim insisted on appearing in court wearing a purple police lock-up uniform and handcuffs despite being told neither was required, the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) said.
The anti-graft agency said Azeez’s appearance in the lock-up attire and handcuffs at the Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court today was entirely at his own request.
According to MACC, its officers, the police personnel accompanying him and his lawyer had advised him to change into ordinary clothes before he was taken to court.
He was also told that there was no requirement for him to be handcuffed.
“However, he insisted on remaining in the lock-up attire and handcuffs until the process of reading the charges was completed,” the commission said in a statement.
MACC stressed that no party, particularly the commission, had instructed or requested Azeez to appear in court that way.
It also urged the public not to speculate or circulate inaccurate information regarding the matter.
The clarification comes amid scrutiny over the treatment of suspects brought to court, following MACC’s recent decision to suspend the use of its orange lock-up uniform for suspects appearing in court for remand proceedings.
The agency said persons under investigation would now be allowed to wear their own clothes when brought to court, while lock-up attire would only be worn while they were being held in custody.
MACC chief commissioner Datuk Seri Abd Halim Aman said the decision followed recent developments and current recommendations on procedures for handling persons under investigation, particularly during court appearances.
He added that the use of handcuffs would depend on the circumstances of each case.
The policy change came after Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said on Sept 4 that political leaders would be given leeway not to wear MACC’s orange uniform when brought to court.
