KUALA LUMPUR: The former political secretary to Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor, was charged in the Sessions Court today with two counts of soliciting and receiving bribes totaling RM400,000 involving rare earth elements (REE).
However, Mohamad Hilmi Abdul Wahab, 50, pleaded not guilty immediately after the charges were read before Judge Suzana Hussin.
According to the charges, Mohamad Hilmi solicited and received cash bribes of RM250,000 and RM150,000 respectively from REE Mining Group Sdn Bhd director Liana Mamat @ Khalid, 40. The requests were made through an individual known as Syed Muhammad Syid Aluvi, 34.
Both bribery offences are alleged to have been an incentive to the accused, as the political secretary to Muhammad Sanusi, to assist REE Mining Group Sdn Bhd in obtaining approval for REE mining and exploration licence applications in Kedah.
The alleged offences took place at Sunway Kiara Hills, Jalan 32/70A, Taman Sri Hartamas, here, and at a restaurant in Desa Sri Hartamas, on July 4 and 11, respectively, and charged under Section 16(a)(A) of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2009 (Act 694) which is punishable under Section 24(1) of the same act.
The relevant section stipulates a maximum jail term of up to 20 years and a fine of not less than five times the amount or value of the bribe if ascertainable, or RM10,000, whichever is higher upon conviction.
The prosecution, led by Datuk Wan Shaharuddin Wan Ladin, has requested the bail to be set between RM30,000 and RM60,000 along with two additional conditions namely to report to the Kedah MACC office, surrender international passport, and not interfere with prosecution witness.
"The additional conditions for the passport are submitted to the court, and the accused is required to report to the MACC office in Kedah every month due to the accused's address in Kuala Ketil.
"In addition, the accused is prohibited from harassing prosecution witnesses until the case is concluded," he said.
Representing the accused, Syed Naqiuddin Shahab has pleaded the court to set the bail to the minimum amount as he claimed that Hilmi is currently unemployed and currently the breadwinner for eight family members, including five still in school, his sick mother and parents in law."
The accused is currently unemployed and had his contract terminated (as the Political Secretary to Muhammad Sanusi) after the previous Kedah State Election (PRN).
"All additional conditions can be complied with, and it can reduce the amount of bail for both cases.
"The accused has also fully cooperated with the investigating officers since being investigated in July," he said.
The judge allowed bail of RM45,000 for Mohamad Hilmi with one surety and additional conditions as suggested by the prosecution, besides setting a re-mention of the case on January 12 next year.
The media reported that Muhammad Sanusi confirmed giving a statement to the MACC to assist in the investigation related to the REE issue in Sik.
The process of providing a statement to the MACC officers was carried out at the Kedah menteri besar's office two months ago, and Muhammad Sanusi stated that he fully cooperated to ensure the smooth progress of the investigation into the case.
On July 18, the MACC began investigating the illegal operation of REE, resulting in losses to the government.