Kuala lumpur: Former Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri M. Saravanan has confirmed that he will be charged in the Sessions Court here tomorrow. The Tapah MP claimed that he will face charges stemming from a third-party statement linking him to the issue of hiring foreign workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2022.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Saravanan, who is also the MIC deputy president, claimed that the initial statement linking his name was made by an individual who just died two months ago. This individual later made a Statutory Declaration to withdraw the allegations. Saravanan emphasized, "I stress that I have never contacted or known the individual either via phone or short messaging service. Even though the main witness has died, I am still prepared to defend myself and face this charge according to the law," he said in a video message shared with the media today.

Saravanan stated that his legal team will apply to the court tomorrow for the trial to be expedited without any delay. Earlier today, the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) issued a media invitation regarding a former minister to be charged at the Sessions Court here.

The former minister is expected to face charges under Section 16 of the MACC Act 2009, which relates to the act of soliciting, receiving, giving, promising, or offering a bribe. Based on a review of the court system, Saravanan will be charged at Criminal Sessions Court 9, with the charge being read out before Judge Azura Alwi at 9 am.