A High-Stakes Request Amid Serious Legal Battles: Maju Holdings Chairman Seeks Passport for UK Trip
KUALA LUMPUR – Abu Sahid Mohamed, the executive chairman of Maju Holdings Sdn Bhd, is currently entangled in serious legal challenges, facing multiple charges of criminal breach of trust (CBT) and money laundering. In the midst of these ongoing proceedings, he has submitted an application to the court requesting the temporary release of his passport to enable travel to the United Kingdom. But here’s where it gets controversial: despite the gravity of the allegations, he seeks to leave the country for personal reasons.
During the case mention session today, Abu Sahid’s lawyer, Jasbeer Singh Kaura, informed the sessions court that the application was officially lodged just the day before. The reason behind this request is quite personal—Abu Sahid wishes to accompany his daughter as she embarks on her academic journey at a university in London next month. This human element adds a layer of complexity to the situation, as it pits family commitments against legal restrictions.
Currently, Abu Sahid’s passport remains in the custody of the court, held as part of the ongoing judicial process until his case reaches a conclusion. The Deputy Public Prosecutor, Aznika Anas, confirmed receiving the application yesterday but made it clear that the prosecution intends to oppose the request. She explained that an affidavit outlining the reasons for their objection would be submitted, and the prosecution has asked the court to schedule a hearing to resolve the matter.
Justice Suzana Hussin has set the hearing date for December 17 and granted the defense’s request to exempt Abu Sahid from personally attending the hearing. This decision ensures that the legal proceedings continue smoothly without requiring the accused’s presence, possibly to avoid undue complications or delays.
Abu Sahid, who is 74 years old, is facing a total of 18 charges—five counts of criminal breach of trust and 13 counts of money laundering. These charges are connected to the Maju Expressway Extension construction project and have been pending trial since September this year.
To provide some context, the criminal breach of trust charges involve an astonishing sum of RM458 million, while the money laundering allegations relate to RM139 million. The CBT charges are framed under Section 409 of the Penal Code, which carries a punishment ranging from two to 20 years of imprisonment, alongside a potential fine.
Meanwhile, the money laundering charges are prosecuted under Section 4(1) of the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act. This law stipulates a maximum prison sentence of 15 years and a fine of at least five times the value of the illicit proceeds upon conviction.
And this is the part most people miss: these hefty legal battles not only affect Abu Sahid’s personal freedoms but also raise larger questions about corporate governance, accountability, and the repercussions of white-collar crime in high-profile infrastructure projects. Should the court consider personal circumstances such as family obligations when deciding on such sensitive matters? Or should the severity of the allegations take absolute precedence?
What’s your take? Should someone facing such serious charges be allowed to travel internationally for personal reasons? Feel free to share your thoughts and engage in the discussion below.
