A key witness testified that former Perlis MB Azlan Man provided a travel agent’s contact for overseas trips, as the graft trial over RM1.18 million in claims continues.
KUALA LUMPUR: A key prosecution witness told the Sessions Court he obtained details about a travel agency from former Perlis Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Azlan Man.
Herwadey Hashim, 45, said Azlan provided him with the telephone number of Sri Kedawang Travel & Tours owner Shafie Ismail to arrange overseas travel.
“At first, I understood that En Shafie was the owner of Sri Kedawang,” Herwadey testified during re-examination by deputy public prosecutor Noralis Mat.
He later clarified he was informed Shafie was an officer at the travel agency.
Herwadey, Azlan’s former senior private secretary, had previously testified that Azlan recommended the agency’s services.
The witness said it was standard procedure for the Menteri Besar’s overseas leave applications to be made in writing to the State Secretary’s Management Services Division.
He agreed with the defence that the approval of local orders and payments to the travel company were lawful.
“All the documents were in order and proper procedures were followed,” Herwadey explained.
He also agreed he managed all of Azlan’s overseas leave claims from 2013 to 2017.
Azlan, 67, faces five charges related to fraudulent claims for overseas travel facilities exceeding RM1.18 million.
The alleged offences were committed at the Perlis State Secretary’s Office between December 2013 and December 2017.
He faces five additional charges of receiving RM1.06 million in proceeds from unlawful activities between February 2014 and December 2017.
Azlan is also accused of five alternative counts of allegedly misappropriating RM1.06 million in state funds.
The trial before Judge Azura Alwi will resume on March 31.
