Saravanan ready for trial, but prosecution seeks more time

Former human resources minister M Saravanan is ready to proceed with his corruption trial, but the prosecution is seeking more time to submit documents related to the case.

The MIC deputy president’s lawyer, Geethan Ram Vincent, said the prosecution sought a later mention date to submit the relevant documents, including Cabinet meeting minutes, and finalise the trial date.

The defence had requested an earlier date as it was ready to proceed with the trial, he told FMT.

Following submissions from both sides, the sessions court fixed Nov 3 for the prosecution to submit the relevant documents and for the trial date to be finalised.

Last month, Saravanan claimed trial to three counts of receiving bribes totalling RM1.097 million in connection with foreign worker quotas about four years ago.

The four-term Tapah MP and his family were also summoned to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission’s (MACC) headquarters yesterday to receive notices requiring them to declare their assets.

Saravanan said he was prepared to provide details of assets acquired since 2019, including those held in Malaysia and overseas, and that he had “nothing to hide”.

MACC gave him 30 days to submit the required information, pending an extension if necessary.