Dressed in purple, handcuffed: MACC says Azeez wanted detainee look, not normal clothes

MACC has clarified that former Tabung Haji chairperson Abdul Azeez Abdul Rahim had asked to wear the purple police lock-up attire and be handcuffed when he appeared at the Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court this morning to face charges.

“For the record, before he was brought to court, he was advised by MACC officers, the police officers escorting him, and his lawyer to change into normal clothing, and was also told that there was no need for him to wear handcuffs.

“However, he insisted on remaining in the lock-up attire and wearing the handcuffs until the charges had been read,” the commission said in a statement.

Reiterating that the combination of lock-up clothes and handcuffs was not at the instruction or request of any party, particularly the anti-graft agency, MACC urged all parties not to speculate or disseminate inaccurate information.

On Sept 4, MACC chief commissioner Abd Halim Aman said the anti-graft agency suspended the use of orange lock-up attire for people under investigation who are brought to court for remand applications, with immediate effect.

He said the move was in response to recent developments and current recommendations on procedures for handling people under investigation, particularly when they are brought to court.

“Individuals under investigation may wear their own clothes when brought to court, while lock-up attire will only be required while they are being held in detention,” he added.

Halim (above) added that the use of handcuffs would depend on the circumstances, with exemptions for those who are frail, people with disabilities, and the elderly.

The decision came after Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim reportedly said that those detained by the MACC who fully cooperate with an investigation should not be required to wear the orange clothing when brought to court before they are formally charged.

Azeez pleaded not guilty to charges of using his position as Tabung Haji chairperson to secure the position of Putrajaya Perdana Bhd chairperson, which came with RM690,000 in annual remuneration, a luxury car, and a permanent driver, some 12 years ago.

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