Lawyer Shaharudin Ali said in a statement today that on the day Roney was directed by MACC to be present at Kuala Lumpur International Airport, the latter was feeling very weak and breathless.

“Upon medical examination the same day, a consultant cardiologist found that our client had ‘three severe heart blockages’. So, our client was medically unfit to surrender to MACC.

“In fact, the medical procedure by the hospital has not been completed,” he said.

Shaharudin said Roney was ready and willing to surrender to MACC, or alternatively to appear in court for remand proceedings at a date and time of MACC’s choosing.

“We have asked MACC to allow this in view of (Roney’s) health condition.

“The publicity surrounding his case may worsen his heart condition, particularly so when he has been painted by MACC as a wanted fugitive on the run. He is not.

“He has a genuine medical condition and wanted some rest and has sought permission to voluntarily show up either at MACC headquarters or the Jalan Duta court, as the case may be,” he said.

Last Thursday, it was reported that MACC was looking for Roney, 49, to aid its investigation into a case.