KUALA LUMPUR – Former Malaysia Automotive, Robotics and Internet of Things Institute (MARii) chief executive officer Datuk Mohamad Madani Sahari has pleaded not guilty to soliciting a RM5 million bribe two years ago.
He was charged today at the sessions court here today, reported Free Malaysia Today.
According to the charge, Madani allegedly in May 2021 demanded RM5 million from an individual named P. Kuhan Arunasalam to assist A2Z Technology Sdn Bhd to get a letter of award for a project valued at RM24 million.
He is charged under Section 16(a)(A) of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Act 2009, which provides, upon conviction, up to 20 years in prison and a fine no less than five times the value of the bribe.
Judge Suzana Hussin also extended the RM300,000 bail imposed on him by the Shah Alam sessions court last month and fixed June 9 for case mention.
On April 14, Madani pleaded not guilty to bribery charges amounting to RM5 million at the Shah Alam High Court after being accused of receiving the sum as a bribe two years ago.
It was allegedly from one Khow Chuen Wah, allegedly to assist a company called Syarikat Aspire Knowledge Sdn Bhd to obtain a letter of award for a RM12 million project.
The former CEO was charged under Section 16(a)(A) of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Act and can be sentenced to 20 years imprisonment and fine no less than five times the alleged sum if found guilty.
Madani was granted a RM300,000 bail with one surety and ordered to surrender his passport to the court pending the disposal of his court case.
Madani served as MARii CEO from April 2010 and Azrul Reza Aziz took over the role effective April 10.
MARii is an agency under the Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry. – The Vibes, May 8, 2023
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