A FORMER political secretary to Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor pleaded not guilty in the Kuala Lumpur sessions court today to two counts of soliciting and receiving a total of RM400,000 in bribes related to rare earth elements (REE) mining.
Mohamad Hilmi Abdul Wahab, 50, pleaded not guilty before judge Suzana Hussin as soon as the charges were read to him.
He was charged with soliciting and receiving RM250,000 and RM150,000 from REE Mining Group Sdn Bhd director Liana Mamat @ Khalid, 40.
He is alleged to have committed the offences at Sunway Kiara Hills, Jalan 32/70A, Taman Sri Hartamas and a restaurant in Desa Sri Hartamas, on July 4 and 11, respectively.
The accused is alleged to have made the requests through Syed Muhammad Syed Aluvi, 34.
Both bribery offences are alleged to have been an incentive for the accused to assist REE Mining Group Sdn Bhd in obtaining approval for REE mining and exploration licence applications in Kedah.
The accused could face 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, if convicted.
The court allowed the accused bail of RM45,000 with one surety for both charges and ordered him to surrender his passport to the court.
The accused also has to report to the Kedah MACC office once a month pending disposal of his case.
Deputy public prosecutor Datuk Wan Shaharuddin Wan Ladin prosecuted, while Hilmi was represented by Syed Naqiuddin Shahab. – The Vibes, November 20, 2023
