Azeez: Seized watches mostly fake
THE STAR
by royce tan
PETALING JAYA: Hours after the anti-graft agency raided his houses, seizing cash and watches, Datuk Seri Abdul Azeez Abdul Rahim dropped a clanger – he says most of the “luxury watches” seized are fake.
The Umno Supreme Council member said that some 14 of the watches, which included brands such as Rolex, were “underwater” pieces of “triple A” grade, a name given to better quality imitation goods sold in downtown Kuala Lumpur and pasar malam.
The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) had raided at least three premises linked to Abdul Azeez, including his residence in Subang in Selangor and his home and office in Baling, Kedah.
Sources familiar with the ongoing investigations said the raid was a headquarter’s operation that was assisted by its Perlis office.
The raiding team seized around RM500,000 in Malaysian currency and another RM400,000 in other currencies, including US dollars, British pounds, euros, rupiah, Maldivian rufiyaa and Saudi riyal.
Also seized were 20 watches and several pieces of jewellery.
“I could not produce the certificates for most of the watches as many are fakes. I bought them because they look nice and I shared them with my son.
“Of course, a few pieces are genuine. I have been working for over 30 years, of course I can afford to buy a few real watches,” the Baling MP said.
Interestingly, Abdul Azeez’s education was also questioned a few years ago. His Masters in Business Administration was said to be from Preston University, an unaccredited institution and a degree mill.
As for the cash seized, Abdul Azeez said the money was withdrawn from the Baling Umno account on Monday and was meant to be used for breaking fast events for the month and expenses for scheduled Umno meetings.
The foreign denominations, he said, were collected during his trips around the world, especially on humanitarian missions.
“Part of the currencies were also meant for me to convert as I’m heading to Gaza on a humanitarian assistance programme, something which I have planned more than a month ago.
“The money is from Kelab Putera 1Malaysia (KP1M),” said the outgoing Lembaga Tabung Haji chairman.
KP1M is a unity and humanitarian non-governmental organisation of which Abdul Azeez is president.
Azeez said RM100,000 was seized from his Baling house and RM400,000 from his house in Subang.
“It took them quite a while to count the money as most of it was already in envelopes which were meant to be distributed to the people during the buka puasa events.
“They also took seven pieces of my wife’s jewellery which I think is worth around RM50,000 to RM70,000.
“I don’t think the word ‘raid’ is really accurate. It was more of a visit and the officers were really professional, nice and even respected the time for breaking fast and joined us for prayers,” Abdul Azeez said.
“I’m an MP. Of course I will never run away. I am ready to give my fullest cooperation with the authorities,” he said.
Asked about MACC Chief Commissioner Datuk Seri Mohd Shukri Abdull’s revelations of an “MP from the north” known as “Cash King” and who tried to ask the MACC to stop the investigations into 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) and SRC International, Abdul Azeez said it could be anyone.
“Northern MPs can be anyone from Perak, Kedah, Perlis or Penang. As long as my name is not mentioned specifically, I will not respond,” he said.
Meanwhile, Abdul Azeez also revealed that he has tendered his resignation as the Lembaga Tabung Haji chairman, ahead of his contract term that was supposed to end in July next year.
He said the resignation letter has been sent to Lembaga Tabung Haji while the other, addressed to the Prime Minister and the Minister in charge of the pilgrim fund was still with his legal team.
Read more at https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2018/05/24/azeez-seized-watches-mostly-fake-luxury-brands-can-be-bought-in-pasar-malam/#qKjVIfAIcow8YzQM.99
