KUALA LUMPUR – A researcher, who alleged that The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) offered RM10 million to a Bersatu leader to alter his statement, has claimed trial to charges of obstruction.
Mohamad Shafiq Abdul Halim, 32, was charged before the sessions court here under Section 48(c) of the MACC Act 2009, reported Malaysiakini.
Sessions Court judge Suzana Hussain fixed bail at RM10,000 with one surety.
Case mention is fixed on April 7.
Previously, he had alleged that MACC offered RM10 million to former Bersatu information chief Datuk Wan Saiful Wan Jan to supposedly alter his statement during an investigation into the Jana Wibawa initiative.
Shafiq was arrested on February 22 after he showed up at MACC headquarters in Putrajaya when summoned.
He had apologised for his remarks, saying he did not intend to accuse anyone and described his remarks as responses to rumours.
This came after a 44-second video was shared on Twitter where a man alleged that MACC offered RM10 million to Wan Saiful.
Last month, Wan Saiful claimed trial to two charges of soliciting and receiving bribes worth RM6.9 million to help a private firm to secure a central spine road government contract worth RM232 million.
Also, Segambut Bersatu deputy chief Adam Radlan Adam Muhammad was again charged – with two counts of accepting bribes amounting to RM4.1 million linked to the Jana Wibawa initiative.
Separately, he also claimed trial to another two charges of soliciting and bribery linked to Jana Wibawa.
Jana Wibawa, also known as “Program Jana Ekonomi Pemerkasaan Kontraktor Bumiputera Berwibawa”, aimed to expedite project execution by Bumiputera contractors, as part of moves to boost the country’s economic recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic.
The scheme involved pre-qualification tenders or direct awards in accordance with Finance Ministry guidelines on direct award processes.
It was reported that the implementation of the RM5.7 billion Jana Wibawa project was postponed for a review of whether its procurement procedure was made in compliance with the rules set by the Treasury. – The Vibes, March 7, 2023
