Accused of using her position to get hubby a deal

 

Out on bail: Nurul Syahirah (middle) leaving the court room in Johor Baru after facing six charges for abuse of power.

JOHOR BARU: A civil servant has pleaded not guilty at a Sessions Court here to six charges of abusing her position to solicit projects worth RM13,480 for a company belonging to her husband.

Nurul Syahirah Omar, 31, made the plea after the charges were read out before Judge Datuk Ahmad Kamal Arifin yesterday.

According to the charge sheet, Nurul Syahirah, who works as an administrative assistant at the Mersing Irrigation and Drainage Department, had used her position to get a quotation for Amir Barakah Enterprise.

The quotation, which was worth RM13,480, was provided through the market study form for the supply of vehicle parts, office equipment, vehicle repairs, equipment for broadcast and connectivity, electrical appliances, and maintenance of passenger vehicles.

The offence was allegedly committed at the department’s Mersing office between August and November 2020.

The charge was framed under Section 23(1) of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Act 2009 and is punishable under Section 24(1) of the same Act with a maximum jail term of 20 years and a fine of five times the bribe amount or RM10,000, whichever is higher.

The case was prosecuted by MACC prosecution officer Nik Lokman Hakim Nik Mohd Nor, while the accused was represented by Muhammad Faizzudin Abd Ra’fik.

Earlier, Nik Lokman Hakim suggested bail of RM30,000 with one surety and for Nurul Syahirah to hand over her passport as well as report to the MACC office every month.

However, Muhammad Faizzudin told the court that Nurul Syahirah was currently completing her tertiary studies, which would require RM15,000 in expenses.

“She is also taking care of her five-year-old son and her two elderly parents.

“She has also been suspended from work after being charged,” he said.

The court then set RM7,000 as bail along with the additional terms.

The case is set for next mention on May 16.

Nurul Syahirah later posted bail. - Star