[UPDATED] Tycoon Robert Tan pleads not guilty to RM3 bil Spanco tender deal fraud

KUALA LUMPUR – Business tycoon Tan Sri Robert Tan has pleaded not guilty to dishonestly inducing the then-Finance Ministry into awarding a fleet supply, repair, maintenance, and management contract to Spanco Sdn Bhd in 2019.

According to the charge sheet, Tan tricked the ministry into awarding the tender titled Request for Proposal for Supply, Repair, Maintenance, and Management of Government of Malaysia Vehicle Fleet, worth RM3,966,386,628 on February 27 and 28, 2019, by claiming that at least 30% of Spanco’s shareholders were Bumiputera.

The 83-year-old Spanco chairman was charged under Section 420 of the Penal Code before sessions court judge Suzana Hussin.

This section stipulates that those found in violation may face imprisonment ranging from one to 10 years, whipping, and a possible fine.

Asked by the court interpreter if he understood the charge and his plea, Tan said, “I am not guilty. I have done so much for the country.” 

Deputy public prosecutor Mahadi Jumaat proposed a bail of RM2 million with a surety, stating that it had been agreed upon with the defence counsels.

Mahadi also requested additional terms, including Tan surrendering any international or diplomatic passports and reporting to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission’s (MACC) Kuala Lumpur headquarters once a month.

He added that Tan should not be allowed to contact any prosecution witnesses. He later clarified that this meant refraining from coercing or discussing statements with witnesses, rather than cutting off all contact with them.

All of this remains in effect until the trial concludes. 

However, defence counsel Datuk Wan Azmir Wan Majid implored the court to change the timing to once every three months, noting that his 83-year-old client had agreed to most conditions and is currently suffering from several ailments.

His illnesses, including hypertension, knee, and back pain, necessitated his reliance on a walking stick and assistance for day-to-day activities.

Judge Suzana then ordered that the meeting frequency be once every two months while maintaining the other aforementioned bail and terms.

Earlier, Wan Azmir also announced that Tan’s main counsel is Datuk Hisyam Teh Poh Teik. 

On January 19, Scoop reported that the MACC had mounted a raid on the residence of a businessman holding a “Tan Sri” title as part of its investigation into alleged graft related to the procurement and management of the government’s vehicle fleet. 

Sources told Scoop that the operation was a continuation of the anti-graft agency’s ongoing investigation, which commenced in July last year.

On January 31, it was reported that several personal bank accounts holding tens of millions of ringgit belonging to the businessman were frozen by the MACC as a result of its investigations into the same matter. – April 3, 2024