KUALA LUMPUR — The Sessions Court here today ordered the former managing director (MD) of Boustead Naval Shipyard Sdn Bhd (BNS), Tan Sri Ahmad Ramli Mohd Nor (picture), to undergo a psychiatric evaluation at Kuala Lumpur Hospital to assess his mental health.

Judge Suzana Hussin stated that Ahmad Ramli, 80, needs to be examined by a psychiatrist to determine his fitness to stand trial on three charges of criminal breach of trust involving RM21.08 million in company funds in connection with the Royal Malaysian Navy’s Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) project.

“The court has scheduled case mention for Oct 28 to review the psychiatric report and has vacated the trial dates set for Aug 26 to 28,” she said.

The proceedings were attended by deputy public prosecutors Nik Haslinie Hashim and Mahadi Abdul Jumaat, while Ahmad Ramli was represented by lawyer Datuk Mohd Yusof Zainal Abiden.

On July 30, Suzana scheduled today to issue directions concerning the former Navy Chief’s mental condition, aiming to determine his fitness to stand trial. Ahmad Ramli was required to appear in court for further instructions.

On Aug 16, 2022, Ahmad Ramli, as BNS’ MD and entrusted control over company funds, was accused of criminal breach of trust by approving payments of RM13,541,140 to the account of Setaria Holding Limited at Standard Chartered Bank, 6 Battery Road, Singapore, without the approval of the company’s board of directors.

The offences allegedly occurred between July 26, 2010, and March 25, 2011, on the 17th floor of Menara Boustead, Jalan Raja Chulan.

Ahmad Ramli is also accused of authorising payments of RM1,360,716 to the account of JSD Corporation at Overseas-Chinese Banking Corporation Limited, Chulia Street, OCBC Centre, Singapore, without board approval between April 19, 2011, and May 4, 2011, at the same location.

For the third charge, Ahmad Ramli is accused of approving a payment of RM6,182,295 to the account of Sousmarin Armada Ltd at Standard Chartered Bank, 6 Battery Road, Singapore, also without board approval, purportedly made between Oct 28, 2010, and Nov 22, 2010.

All three charges fall under Section 409 of the Penal Code, which carries between two and 20 years imprisonment, along with caning, and may be liable to a fine, upon conviction. However, caning cannot be imposed on female offenders or male offenders over the age of 50. — BERNAMA