A former political aide of Malaysia’s leader and a Sabah-linked businessman pleaded not guilty to four counts of corruption each on Thursday, in a case analysts say will taint Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s anti-corruption credentials.
Anwar’s reform platform has already been tested by disputes over mineral exploration rights in Malaysia’s poorest but most resource-rich state, Sabah.
Former political secretary Shamsul Iskandar Mohd Akin was accused of receiving 176,829.03 ringgit (US$42,930) in cash and gifts comprising furniture and electrical products from businessman Albert Tei between November 24, 2023 and March 5, 2024, allegedly as inducement to help companies linked to Tei secure approval for mineral exploration licences in Sabah, the Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court was told.
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After all four charges were read out to Shamsul, 51, who was standing in the dock in a green batik shirt, he said: “I plead not guilty, and claim trial”.
If convicted, Shamsul and Tei each face up to 20 years’ jail and a fine of at least five times the value of the bribe or 10,000 ringgit, whichever is higher.
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Bail was set for Shamsul at 150,000 ringgit with two Malaysian sureties and Tei at 70,000 ringgit. Shamsul and Tei – both of whom are out on bail – were ordered to surrender their passports, report to the anti-corruption authorities once a month, and not interfere with witnesses.