KUALA LUMPUR – Warisan’s Labuan MP Datuk Rozman Isli claimed that the corruption charge against him is politically motivated with an objective to make him leave the opposition party and pledge support to the government.
“In the time span of 20 months, I have been offered positions and this case was used to put pressure on me.
“This accusation also has the objective of tarnishing my reputation before the next general election,” Rozman told reporters outside the Jalan Duta court complex.
He had earlier pleaded not guilty to a charge under Section 23(1) of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2009 for using his office or position for gratification.
Rozman is accused of committing the offence on March 21, 2018, at the Transport Ministry office in Putrajaya when he was Labuan Transportation Board deputy chairman.
The charge further reads that the accused committed the offence by receiving a bribe – a works contract for Labuan Liberty Port Management Sdn Bhd, a company in which his father and sibling have interests.
“In this case, I am accused of abusing power, but I know here I am the victim of abuse of power,” he said.
The Warisan lawmaker further explained that he was merely one of the nine board of directors of Labuan Transportation Board.
“Between the board of directors and the highest ranking officials at the Transport Ministry, they understand the process behind appointing an operator.
“During the meeting when the decision was made, I supported the previous operator which was owned by local Bumiputera entrepreneurs.
“They weren’t chosen because the majority of the members on the board of directors made a different decision, which I respected,” he added.
The Labuan MP was granted bail at RM100,000 and asked to surrender his passport.
The next mention of his case is scheduled for November 19. – The Vibes, October 14, 2021
