SHAH ALAM: An investigative journalist from Malaysiakini has claimed trial at the Sessions Court here to a charge of accepting a RM20,000 bribe from a Pakistani foreign worker agent last month.
B. Nantha Kumar, 42, pleaded not guilty after the charge was read out to him before judge Mohd Nasir Nordin yesterday.
He was accused of receiving the sum from one Muhammad Zahid as an inducement to remove and not to upload articles related to the foreign workers syndicate on Malaysiakini’s website.
“I understand the charge. I plead not guilty,” he said.
The offence was allegedly committed at a four-star hotel here at about 11.45pm on Feb 28.
The offence under Section 16(a)(A) of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Act carries a maximum prison term of 20 years and a fine of no less than five times the amount of gratification, or RM10,000, whichever is higher, upon conviction.
Deputy public prosecutor Alis Izzati Azurin Mohd Rusdi proposed a RM20,000 bail in one surety.
She also sought an order for the accused to report to the MACC office and surrender his passport to the court.
She said that although the offence was non-bailable, the court had the discretion to grant bail in appropriate situations.
“We submit that this suggested bail amount is reasonable to ensure his attendance in court.
“We also submit that individuals involved in white collar crimes are flight risks, as the severe jail term they face may deter them from appearing in court.”
She also sought an order for the accused to refrain from publishing any further reports or statements on the case.
Lawyer P. Purshotaman, who represented Nantha, pleaded for bail to be reduced to RM5,000 as the RM20,000 sum and conditions proposed by the prosecution was excessive.
“He is 42 and married. He is a father of two, one is 18 and waiting for the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) results while the other is 11 and still schooling.
“He respects the judicial system and is innocent until proven guilty. As an award-winning journalist, he is known to publish reports on syndicates that could threaten the security of the country.
“He will come to court to clear his name,” he said.
Mohd Nasir then granted Nantha bail of RM10,000 in one surety. He also ordered Nantha to report to the nearest MACC office once a month.
The case is set for mention on April 23.
