MACC Witness Charged with Making Inconsistent Statements
Case Details
A prosecution witness in a Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) case has been charged with three counts of providing inconsistent statements related to a probe into Malaysian Indian Transformation Unit (Mitra) funds to the investigating officer.
The Charges
V Meenaloshini, 35, pleaded not guilty before sessions court judge Nasir Nordin. She was accused of making a statutory declaration before commissioner for oaths Amer Hamzah Ali in Gombak on December 20, 2023, which contradicted statements she gave to an MACC investigating officer at the agency’s headquarters on January 24, 2022. The same statutory declaration allegedly contained another statement that conflicted with her testimony to the officer on January 25, 2022. According to the third charge, she made an additional contradictory statement in the same statutory declaration, differing from what she had told the officer on January 24, 2022.
Plea and Bail
Meenaloshini was charged under Section 27(2) of the MACC Act 2009 with making statements with the intention to mislead the commission and the public prosecutor. The section carries a penalty of up to 10 years’ imprisonment, a fine of up to RM100,000, or both, upon conviction.
Bail and Conditions
Nasir granted her bail of RM10,000 with one surety and ordered her to surrender her passport and report to the nearest MACC office once a month.
Prosecution and Defense
Deputy public prosecutor Maziah Mohaidi prosecuted, while K Kanagavalli represented the accused.
Court Date
The court set April 30 for the submission of documents.
Conclusion
Meenaloshini’s case highlights the importance of truthfulness in official statements, particularly in the context of corruption investigations. As a prosecution witness, her actions are expected to be truthful and credible, and her inconsistent statements have led to her charges. The outcome of the case will be closely watched by the public and the anti-corruption community.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who is V Meenaloshini?
- A 35-year-old woman who was charged with making inconsistent statements related to a probe into Malaysian Indian Transformation Unit (Mitra) funds.
- What are the charges against her?
- Three counts of making inconsistent statements with the intention to mislead the commission and the public prosecutor.
- What is the penalty for the charge?
- Up to 10 years’ imprisonment, a fine of up to RM100,000, or both, upon conviction.
- What is the next court date?
- April 30 for the submission of documents.