Businessman’s RM15mil graft case linked to home ministry for trial next year

 

Sim Choo Thiam, who is accused of demanding RM15 million from another businessman as an inducement for then home minister Hamzah Zainudin to secure projects from his ministry, will have his case heard next May. (Bernama pic)

KUALA LUMPUR: The trial of a “Datuk Seri” accused of soliciting and receiving RM15 million from a fellow businessman to secure projects from the home ministry has been fixed for May next year.

Sim Choo Thiam claimed trial in the sessions court here to four charges under Section 16(a)(B) of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Act 2009 last month.

Judge Rozina Ayob fixed the trial dates for the case during case management today.

Sim’s trial will run from May 6 to 10 and continue from May 13 to 17.

On the first charge, he is accused of having demanded RM15 million from Hep Kim Hong at Jalan Dutamas 1 here in June 2021

The prosecution said the sum was meant as an inducement for then home minister Hamzah Zainudin to assist Hep’s company, Asia Coding Sdn Bhd, in securing projects from his ministry.

Sim was handed three other charges involving the receipt of RM15 million in cash from Hep between July 19 and July 31, 2021.

He was represented by lawyers Kee Wei Lon, Low Wei Loke and Hannah Kam, while deputy public prosecutor Nor Asma Ahmad appeared for the prosecution. - FMT