KL Tower probe: Company director pleads not guilty to RM7.5mil graft charge

KUALA LUMPUR: A 49-year-old company director has claimed trial at the Sessions Court here to offering some RM7.5mil in bribes in the span of 15 years, said to expedite the process of taking over the management and concession of Menara Kuala Lumpur (KL Tower).

Hydropshoppe Sdn Bhd director Datuk Abdul Hamid Shaikh Abdul Razak Shaikh pleaded not guilty after the charge was read out before Sessions Court judge Suzana Hussain on Wednesday (April 5).

According to the charge sheet, Abdul Hamid allegedly offered a bribe of RM500,000 per year for 15 years to an individual as an inducement and for the benefit of former communications and multimedia minister Tan Sri Annuar Musa to expedite the acquisition process by Hydroshoppe.

The offence was allegedly committed at the ministry’s office in Putrajaya between July and August 2022.

The charge was framed under Section 16(b)(B) of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Act 2009 which carries a maximum 20 years imprisonment and a fine of no less than five times the amount of gratification or RM10,000, whichever is higher, upon conviction.

Suzana allowed the accused bail of RM50,000 in one surety.

The court also ordered Abdul Hamid to surrender his passport and to report to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) office bi-monthly.

Meanwhile, Hydroshoppe also faced its own charge as an entity at a separate Sessions Court.

According to the charge sheet, Hydroshoppe allegedly committed an offence as its associate, Abdul Hamid, had offered the same bribe to the same individual for the benefit of Annuar with the same intention.

Abdul Hamid claimed trial on behalf of the company as its director.

The charge against the company was framed under Section 17A(1)(a) of the MACC Act 2009 and provides for a minimum fine of RM1mil or a maximum 20-year imprisonment, or both, if convicted.

Sessions Court judge Rozina Ayob allowed a separate RM50,000 bail in one surety.

The courts fixed June 2 for mention.

Deputy Public Prosecutor Mahadi Abdul Jumaat appeared for the prosecution while the accused was represented by lawyer Shu Ivy.