Farhash denies 'money stolen' claims in new clip, lodges report

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s former aide, Farhash Wafa Salvador Rizal Mubarak, has denied allegations that he was instructed to steal money and stash it in Africa.

Denying claims that he has also become a Turkish citizen, the corporate figure accused those implicating him in the matter of harbouring “ulterior motives to gain political mileage.”

Citing a statement from Farhash (above) today, Berita Harian reported that he has filed a police report over alleged defamation while instructing his lawyers to take legal action against those involved in spreading such slander.

“These allegations are untrue, baseless, clearly defamatory, and aimed at tarnishing my reputation and integrity, besides negatively impacting my personal life and business affairs.

“To clarify, I am not a Turkish citizen, have never been involved in any theft or money laundering activities as alleged, and do not have any bank accounts in Turkiye,” he was quoted as saying.

Farhash’s denial comes after a clip recently resurfaced - showing entrepreneur Sofia Rini Buyong speaking to another person, believed to be businessperson Albert Tei, who has since urged police to investigate Anwar and Farhash over claims made in the video.

READ MORE: New Sofia Rini clip drops on Facebook, PAS leader wants answers

In the clip, Sofia claimed an individual named "Anwar" had told another individual called "Farhash" to steal money, which the latter was said to have then sent to Africa.

Pejuang leader wants probe

On April 23, Pejuang information chief Rafique Rashid Ali urged the authorities to investigate claims made by Sofia, who is also an MACC witness in the corruption cases involving Tei and another of the prime minister’s former aides, Shamsul Iskandar Akin.

Noting that Sofia’s position as a prosecution witness in the court case against Tei and Shamsul implies that the MACC and the Attorney-General’s Chambers “trust her account”, Rafique urged the graft busters to issue a notice under Section 36 of the MACC Act 2009 against Anwar and Farhash.

Section 36 of the MACC Act 2009 empowers the commission to compel individuals to declare their assets (Section 36[1]) and criminalises the failure to do so, or providing false information (Section 36[2]).

Failure to comply is an offence punishable by up to five years’ jail and a fine of up to RM100,000.

When approached by the media the following day, Anwar brushed off the allegations, suggesting that the media not entertain such accusations while calling on the person making the claims to furnish evidence.

Sofia previously denied being a proxy to Shamsul. While she admitted to meeting Tei, she also accused the former of spreading lies and slander against her, emphasising that she had never met or held any discussion with the prime minister in regard to the allegations.

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