Jamil Khir Baharom, who served as the minister in the Prime Minister’s Department overseeing religious affairs from 2009 to 2018, appeared in court on Monday to face three criminal charges. The legal proceedings concern the alleged mismanagement of 860 million ringgit, equivalent to approximately US$211 million, involving Malaysia’s state-run haj savings fund, known as Tabung Haji, and a Saudi-linked property group.

Baharom, 65, entered a plea of not guilty to all charges. His prosecution represents the latest in a series of legal actions taken against former officials following the 2018 electoral defeat of the government led by former Prime Minister Najib Razak. The charges specifically relate to his oversight role during the period when these financial transactions occurred. While the prosecution has initiated these charges as part of a broader effort to address financial irregularities within state institutions, the defense maintains that the former minister is not responsible for the alleged illicit transfers. The court case is expected to continue as both sides present evidence regarding the nature of the transactions and the extent of the minister's involvement in the fund's operations.