Sarongs, bath towels land ex-armed forces chief in court for graft

Former armed forces chief Nizam Jaffar appeared at the Sessions Court today to face four charges of abusing his position and receiving RM752,481.90, as well as criminal breach of trust involving RM3 million.

Nizam, 59, pleaded not guilty after all four charges were read out before judge Rosli Ahmad.

“I understand the charges and wish to stand trial,” he said after each charge was read out.

Earlier, he arrived at the Kuala Lumpur Court Complex at 8.20am, supported by a walking stick and accompanied by several MACC officers.

For the first charge, Nizam, serving as assistant chief of staff of the armed forces and chair of the Armed Forces Welfare Fund (TKAT) executive committee, was accused of using his position to secure RM267,481.90 for himself by awarding a RM468,000 contract to Sinar Bakti Global for the supply of sarongs for Hari Raya gift packages in 2025.

He is also accused of awarding contracts to Sinar Raudhah Global for RM52,000 to supply batik fabric and to Zahra Jaya Global for RM750,000 to supply multifunctional folding pliers for Hari Raya gift packages in 2025, both under the fund, in which he had a personal interest.

The second charge alleged that Nizam, as assistant chief of staff of the armed forces and chair of the TKAT executive committee, used his position to secure RM285,000 for himself by awarding a RM600,000 contract to QMZ Resources for the supply of bath towels for Hari Raya gift packages in 2025.

He was also accused of awarding a RM1,725,000 contract to Helmee Resources to supply backpacks for Hari Raya gift packages in 2025 under the fund, in which he had a personal interest.

Both offences were alleged to have been committed at the Defence Ministry, Jalan Padang Tembak, Kuala Lumpur, on June 24, 2024.

The charges were brought under Section 23(1) of the MACC Act 2009 (Act 694), which carries penalties as outlined in Section 24(1) of the same Act.

The section provides for a maximum prison sentence of 20 years and a fine of not less than five times the amount or value of the bribe, or RM10,000, whichever is higher.

RM3m CBT, RM200k gratification charges

For the third charge, Nizam, as assistant chief of staff of the armed forces and chairperson of the TKAT investment committee, was accused of committing criminal breach of trust (CBT) involving RM3 million of TKAT funds by using the money for additional investments in Precious Amber International Berhad without the committee’s approval.

The offence was allegedly committed at the same location on Oct 4, 2024, under Section 409 of the Penal Code, which carries a prison term of between two and 20 years, caning, and a possible fine.

For the fourth charge, Nizam, as armed forces chief, was accused of receiving RM200,000 without providing anything in return from a director of Aspen Red Sdn Bhd, which may have been linked to dealings he was involved in.

The offence is alleged to have been committed at Wisma Transit Kuala Lumpur, Jalan Buku Lima, Kuala Lumpur, in March 2025, under Section 165 of the Penal Code, which carries a maximum prison term of two years, a fine, or both.

Deputy public prosecutor Ahmad Akram Gharib prosecuted, while lawyer Abdul Aziz Hamzah appeared for Nizam.

Rosli set bail at RM180,000 with one surety for Nizam on all four charges.

Additional conditions require the accused to surrender his passport to the court until the case is concluded and prohibit him from interfering with prosecution witnesses.

The case is set for mention again on March 31.

Bail sought amid medical grounds

Earlier, Akram noted that under Section 388 of the Criminal Procedure Code, the offences committed are generally non-bailable, but the court has discretion to grant bail.

“We do not oppose the court exercising this discretion. However, considering the seriousness of the offences and the defendant’s position in society, the prosecution proposes bail of RM300,000 with one surety.

“We also request that the defendant’s passport, or diplomatic passport if any, be surrendered to the court, and that he be barred from interfering with prosecution witnesses listed during the trial,” Akram said.

The case is being handled by Akram together with two other deputy public prosecutors, Elyza Amira Habeeb Rahman and Nidzuwan Abd Latip.

Aziz requested that Nizam be granted bail of RM100,000 for all charges against him.

The lawyer said his client requires bail as he has had to postpone and reschedule three surgical procedures during the investigation to allow the probe to be completed.

“The defendant intends to use this time, until the trial, to address his medical needs. He served for approximately 42 years and has shown unwavering commitment and loyalty to the armed forces.

“As a dedicated and professional officer, he seeks to use the court system to respond to the charges and clear his name. He has fully cooperated throughout the investigation, attending MACC offices, and appearing in court today to face the charges,” he said.

Aziz, who is handling the case with lawyer Surya Putra Taulan, added that his client also needs to care for his elderly parents and has agreed to the additional conditions proposed by the prosecution.

“I appeal to the court’s discretion to grant my client the minimum bail,” he said.

- Bernama

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