KUALA LUMPUR: A former political secretary to Kedah Menteri Besar Mohamad Hilmi Abdul Wahab was charged in the Sessions Court here today with soliciting and accepting bribes in connection with the Rare Earth Element (REE) mining project in the state.
Mohamad Hilmi, 50, pleaded not guilty to both charges which were read out before Judge Suzana Hussin.
On the first charge, Mohamad Hilmi was alleged to have solicited a cash bribe amounting to RM250,000 from REE Mining Group director Liana Mamat @ Khalid, 40, through Syed Muhammad Syed Aluvi, 34.
It was as an inducement for him (Mohamad Hilmi), who was then the political secretary to Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor, to help the company get the approval for its application for REE Mining Licence and Exploration License in Kedah.
The offence was allegedly committed at a premises in Sunway Kiara Hills, Taman Sri Hartamas here, on July 4 this year.
He was also charged with receiving RM150,000 from Liana for the same purpose at a restaurant in Sri Hartamas Village here last July 11.
The charge, framed under Section 16(a)(A) of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2009, provides imprisonment for up to 20 years and a fine of not less than five times the amount or value of the bribe or RM10, 000, whichever is higher, on conviction.
Judge Suzana, in allowing Mohamad Hilmi bail of RM45,000 with one surety for both charges, also ordered him to surrender his passport to the court and report himself at the Kedah MACC office once a month pending disposal of his case.
She also advised him against intimidating witnesses in the case and set Jan 12 next year for mention.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Datuk Wan Shaharuddin Wan Ladin prosecuted, while lawyer Syed Naqiuddin Shahab represented Mohamad Hilmi.
-- BERNAMA
Bernama
Mon Nov 20 2023
Mohamad Hilmi Abdul Wahab pleaded not guilty to both charges which were read out before Judge Suzana Hussin. - Filepic
COP29 climate summit draft proposes rich countries pay $250 billion per year
The draft finance deal criticised by both developed and developing nations.
Bomb squad sent to London's Gatwick Airport after terminal evacuation
This was following the discovery of a suspected prohibited item in luggage.
Kelantan urges caution amidst northeast monsoon rains
Kelantan has reminded the public in the state to refrain from outdoor activities with the arrival of the Northeast Monsoon season.
Former New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern receives UN leadership award
Former New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern was given a global leadership award by the United Nations Foundation.
ICC'S arrest warrants for Netanyahu, Gallant an apt decision - PM
The decision of the ICC to issue arrest warrants against Benjamin Netanyahu and Yoav Gallant is apt, said Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
KTMB provides two additional ETS trains for Christmas, school holidays
KTMB will provide two additional ETS trains for the KL Sentral-Padang Besar route and return trips in conjunction with the holidays.
BNM'S international reserves rise to USD118 bil as at Nov 15, 2024
Malaysia's international reserves rose to US$118.0 billion as at Nov 15, 2024, up from US$117.6 billion on Oct 30, 2024.
Findings by dark energy researchers back Einstein's conception of gravity
The findings announced are part of a years-long study of the history of the cosmos focusing upon dark energy.
NRES responds to Rimbawatch press release on COP29
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES) wishes to offer the following clarifications to the issues raised.
Online Safety Bill and Anti-Cyberbullying Laws must carefully balance rights and protections
The Online Safety Advocacy Group (OSAG) stands united with people in Malaysia in the fight against serious online harms.
Malaysia's inflation at 1.9 pct in Oct 2024 - DOSM
Malaysia's inflation rate for October 2024 has increased to 1.9 per cent, up from 1.8 per cent in September this year.
Saudi Arabia showcases Vision 2030 goals at Airshow China 2024
For the first time, Saudi Arabia is participating in the China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition held recently in Zhuhai.
King Charles' coronation cost GBP 71mil, govt accounts show
The coronation of Britain's King Charles cost taxpayers GBP72 million (US$90 million), official accounts have revealed.
Couple and associate charged with trafficking 51.9 kg of meth
A married couple and a man were charged in the Magistrate's Court here today with trafficking 51.974 kilogrammes of Methamphetamine.
PDRM to consult AGC in completing Teoh Beng Hock investigation
The police may seek new testimony from existing witnesses for additional insights into the investigation of Teoh Beng Hock's death.
Thai court rejects petition over ex-PM Thaksin's political influence
Thailand's Constitutional Court rejects a petition seeking to stop Thaksin Shinawatra from interfering in the running the Pheu Thai party.
Abidin takes oath of office as Sungai Bakap assemblyman
The State Assemblyman for Sungai Bakap, Abidin Ismail, was sworn in today at the State Assembly building, Lebuh Light.
UPNM cadet officer charged with injuring junior, stomping on him with spike boots
A cadet officer at UPNM pleaded not guilty to a charge of injuring his junior by stomping on the victim's stomach with spike boots.
How Indian billionaire Gautam Adani's alleged bribery scheme took off and unraveled
The indictment was unsealed on Nov. 20, prompting a $27 billion plunge in Adani Group companies' market value.
Elon Musk blasts Australia's planned ban on social media for children
Several countries have already vowed to curb social media use by children through legislation, but Australia's policy could become one of the most stringent.