Terengganu Menteri Besar Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar today said a state executive councillor (exco) who is facing prosecution and trial is not required to resign from his position.
“The exco member concerned is not obligated to step down, as his capacity as a member of the state executive council does not affect the prosecution and trial process,” Samsuri said in a statement.
Earlier today, Bernama reported that Terengganu state executive councillor Hanafiah Mat has claimed trial at the Kuala Terengganu Sessions Court to two charges of using his position to gain benefits for his family in 2018 and 2020.
The 66-year-old Chukai assemblyperson was accused, in his capacity as a member of the state executive council and Pangkalan Bekalan Kemaman Sdn Bhd chairperson, of using his position to secure a bribe for his son on Aug 15, 2018, at the Epic Berhad office in Pangkalan Bekalan Kemaman, near Teluk Kalong in Kemaman, Terengganu.
The second charge alleged he committed the same act for another son on June 18, 2020, at the same location.
Both charges were framed under Section 23(1) of the MACC Act 2009, which provides for imprisonment of up to 20 years and a fine of not less than five times the value of the bribe or RM10,000, whichever is higher.
Meanwhile, Samsuri stressed that the state government respects the rule of law and remains committed to upholding integrity while allowing the judicial process to take its course.
The newly appointed Perikatan Nasional chairperson also reminded the public that no individual should be considered guilty until proven so in a court of law, urging all parties to refrain from speculation or premature judgments that could undermine the administration of justice.
“I call on all parties to remain calm and give space to the legal system to carry out its duties professionally,” he added. - Mkini
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