The Sessions Court in Kuala Lumpur has set 10 days in May next year for the trial of a ‘Datuk Seri’ charged with four graft charges that mentioned former home minister Hamzah Zainudin.
Judge Rozina Ayob fixed the trial dates this morning during the mention of the case against businessperson Sim Choo Thiam.
Rozina set May 6 to 10 as well as May 13 to 17, 2024 for a full trial. She also fixed Feb 21 next year for further mention of the case.
Sin faces one count of soliciting and three counts of receiving bribes involving RM15 million that purportedly took place two years ago.
On May 10, Sim claimed trial for the four graft charges for offences allegedly committed between June (no specific date mentioned) and July 30, 2021.
The 63-year-old was accused of perpetrating the crime as inducement for Hamzah, who was then the home minister during the Perikatan Nasional administration, to help Asia Coding Centre Sdn Bhd obtain any project from agencies under the ministry.
Sim was alleged to have solicited the bribe from one Syed Abu Zhafran Syed Ahmad, and received the bribe from Asia Coding Centre managing director Hep Kim Hong.
The accused was alleged to have committed the offences at Solaris Dutamas, Jalan Dutamas 1, Kuala Lumpur.
The charges are framed under Section 16(a)(B) of the MACC Act 2009, with Section 24(1) of the same act specifying maximum penalties of imprisonment not exceeding 20 years, as well as a fine not less than five times the alleged graft amount involved or RM10,000, whichever is higher.
The criminal court had released Sim on RM1 million bail with one surety. The accused was also ordered to surrender his passport as well as report to the nearest MACC headquarters in Kuala Lumpur once a month.
On May 11, opposition leader Hamzah called the implication of his name in the case a political ploy aimed at tarnishing his reputation.
Deputy public prosecutor Nor Asma Ahmad prosecuted, while Sim was represented by counsel Low Wei Loke, Hannah Kam and Kee Wei Lon. - Mkini
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