Former Malaysian External Intelligence Organisation (MEIO) director-general Datuk Hasanah Abdul Hamid was released from the custody of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) today (Sept 3).
Prosecutors from the anti-graft body had applied for her release and was granted by magistrate Nik Muizzuddin Nik Muhammad.
The prosecutors had earlier applied for Hasanah to surrender her passport to the MACC and a deposit of RM50,000 be paid.
However, her lawyers Datuk Shaharuddin Ali and Mohd Khairul Azam Abdul Aziz argued that it sufficed for their client to surrender her travel documents.
“There is no justification for a payment of a deposit. Our client has given her word that she will cooperate, should investigators decide to call her again,” said Khairul Azam.
He added that Hasanah she can write to the commission if she needs the document to travel abroad.
Earlier, Hasanah, donning a floral shirt and with hands uncuffed, arrived at the Putrajaya Magistrate’s Court at 10.30am. She covered her face with a black veil as she was ushered to the chambers by MACC officers.
Asked whether the graft-buster would continue to investigate Hasanah, Khairul said, “it’s up to the MACC, but we hope there is no more probe against her.”
Hasanah was arrested by the MACC on Aug 28 and slapped with a five-day remand the following day. Yesterday, the remand was extended by a day after the commission failed to obtain a seven-day extension.
The MACC has been investigating Hasanah and seven other government intelligence officers in relation to the alleged misappropriation of funds of up to US$12 million meant for the recent general election.
Earlier reports:
Aug 30, MACC Probing Hasanah: US$12M Linked to 1MDB Missing from Ex-PM’s Office
Aug 29, Ex-Spy Chief Hasanah Remanded Five Days
Aug 28, MACC Arrests Ex-Spy Chief of CIA Letter Fame