Court upholds cop’s jail sentence, fine for taking RM100 bribe

KUALA LUMPUR – The high court here today upheld a 10-month prison sentence and RM10,000 fine against a policeman for soliciting and accepting an RM100 bribe from a man in relation to a motorcycle sports rim.

Judge Datuk Ahmad Bache made the ruling after dismissing the appeal by Norul Ezwan Nasir, 38, to set aside the conviction and sentence handed down by the sessions court on May 19, 2022.

However, the court allowed the application of lawyer Syaheera Rosli, who represented Norul Ezwan, for a stay of execution, pending the appeal at the Court of Appeal.

Judge Ahmad, in his judgment, said the appellant’s testimony at the defence stage was a mere denial and not supported by any document.

“There is no reason for this court to interfere with the conviction and sentence decided by the sessions court judge. Therefore, the appellant’s appeal to set aside the conviction and sentence is dismissed,” he said. 

In 2021, the sessions court here freed Norul Ezwan of both charges after the prosecution failed to prove a prima facie case against him.

The prosecution then appealed to the high court, which was allowed, and Norul Ezwan was then ordered to enter his defence.

On May 19, 2022, Norul Ezwan was sentenced to 10 years’ jail and fined RM10,000 by the sessions court after being found guilty of soliciting and accepting a bribe of RM100.

He then filed an appeal to set aside the conviction and sentence handed down by the sessions court.

According to the first and second charges, he was alleged to have solicited and received RM100 from one Ahmad Syafiq Ahmad Sahrul as an inducement to return a sports rims which had been seized on suspicion of being stolen goods, at the sixth floor of the criminal investigation division at Travers police station here on October 5, 2018.

All charges are framed under Sections 16(a)(B) and 17(a) of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2009 which carries a maximum prison sentence of 20 years and a fine of not less than five times the amount or value of the bribe or RM10,000, whichever is higher. – Bernama, May 23, 2023