Kuala Lumpur: A woman pleaded not guilty at the Sessions Court here today to three charges of giving contradictory testimony to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the MACC stated that the evidence was connected to an investigation involving the Malaysian Indian Community Transformation Unit (MITRA) funds. The accused, V. Meenaloshini, 35, faced charges for making an affidavit to an oath commissioner at a premises in Prima Sri Gombak, Selangor on December 20, 2023. The contents of this affidavit were alleged to be inconsistent with the testimony she provided to MACC officers at their headquarters in Putrajaya on January 24 and 25, 2022.

The affidavit reportedly claimed that Meenaloshini dealt directly with contractors seeking payments from MITRA funds and denied any dealings with individuals in this regard. Conversely, her statement to MACC officers indicated that payments to contractors were made directly by an individual via cheque, online transfer, or cash.

The charges against Meenaloshini fall under Section 27(2) of the MACC Act 2009 (Act 694), which stipulates a maximum penalty of RM100,000 or a jail term of up to 10 years, or both, upon conviction. The court granted her bail at RM10,000 with one surety, requiring her to surrender her passport and report monthly to the nearest MACC office.

The case is scheduled for re-mention on April 30. Deputy Public Prosecutor Maziah Mohaidi led the prosecution, while lawyer K. Kanagavalli represented the accused.