A former chief executive officer of UiTM Holdings Sdn Bhd has pleaded not guilty to criminal breach of trust charges involving over RM37 million linked to a solar power project in Pahang.

Azlizan Fadzli, 53, was brought into the Sessions Court in Shah Alam on Thursday, where the charge was read before Judge Mohd Nasir Nordin. The charge states that in his capacity as CEO, Azlizan dishonestly misappropriated RM37,374,612.68 by making payments for purposes other than the intended investment. The funds were allocated for the development of a 50MW solar photovoltaic power generation project in Gambang, Pahang.

According to the charge sheet, the alleged offense took place between February 2 and October 2, 2017, at several locations including Affin Bank Bhd, UiTM Shah Alam, and Menara Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah. Azlizan faces prosecution under Section 409 of the Penal Code, which carries a potential sentence of two to 20 years’ imprisonment, whipping, and a possible fine upon conviction.

Deputy public prosecutor Law Chin How noted that the case involves a substantial amount of public funds and carries implications for the reputation of UiTM Holdings. He recommended a bail amount of RM100,000 in one surety as appropriate.

Azlizan’s legal counsel, Hasshahari Johari Mawi, appealed for a reduced bail, citing his client’s medical condition following a stroke, which affected his mental and physical faculties. Hasshahari also highlighted Azlizan’s familial responsibilities, noting he has seven children aged between 14 and 21. The defense asserted that Azlizan had fully cooperated with authorities throughout the investigation. They requested bail be set at RM20,000 in two sureties with the condition that Azlizan report to the authorities quarterly.

Judge Mohd Nasir ultimately set bail at RM50,000 in two sureties. Additional conditions include the surrender of Azlizan’s passport to the court, mandatory quarterly reporting to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission, and an order to refrain from interfering with prosecution witnesses.

The case has been scheduled for mention on November 3.