KUALA LUMPUR: A nephew of Sungai Buloh Member of Parliament R. Sivarasa and his former worker were today charged in the Sessions Court here with three counts of corruption each in relation to the recruitment of foreign workers about five years ago.
R. Naveen Kularasa, 50, who is also Sivarasa's personal assistant, and his former worker Nico Kam Joo Hoe, 24, both pleaded not guilty to the charges which were read out before Judge Azura Alwi.
On the first charge, they are accused of jointly asking for a RM55,000 bribe from Bangladeshi Mono Miah Siddikur Rahman as an inducement for not reporting him to the Immigration Department regarding his company Syarikat Dyna Maintainance Services Sdn Bhd's alleged offence of bringing in foreign workers on professional qualifications for labour work.
For the second and third charges, the two are alleged to have agreed to corruptly receive for themselves cash of RM45,000 and RM20,000 from Mono Miah through Kam in relation to the same matter.
The offences were allegedly committed at two restaurants in Cheras and somewhere in Kuala Lumpur between 1 pm and 10 pm between Sept 17 and 21, 2017.
The charges were framed under Section 16 (a) (A) of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Act 2009, read together with Section 34 of the same Act, which provides for a maximum jail term of 20 years and fine of not less than five times the amount of bribe or RM10,000 fine or whichever is higher, upon conviction.
Deputy public prosecutor Noralis Mat Rasyidah Azmi Kalai suggested bail of RM10,000 in one surety each but Kam, who was unrepresented, appealed for a lower bail on the ground that he has just found a job as a van driver with a monthly salary of RM2,200.
"I came to court today after raising RM1,500 by pawning jewellery belonging to my mother. My mother is present in court today as a bailor," said Kam, adding that he had cooperated well with the authorities during the investigation.
Naveen's lawyer M. Puravalen did not make any appeal on the bail.
The court allowed each accused bail of RM10,000 in one surety and set Feb 24 this year for mention of the case, as well as submission of documents and appointment of a lawyer for Kam.
-- BERNAMA
Bernama
Mon Jan 24 2022
R. Naveen Kularasa, 50, who is also Sivarasa's personal assistant, and his former worker Nico Kam Joo Hoe, 24, both pleaded not guilty to the charges which were read out before Judge Azura Alwi. - Filepic
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.