SHAH ALAM: A former Selangor Fisheries Development of Malaysia (LKIM) director, Khusairi Husain, was sentenced to six months' imprisonment and fined RM25,000 by the Sessions Court on Thursday for graft.
Khusairi, 59, was found guilty of accepting a RM5,000 bribe from a branch general manager of a statutory body five years ago related to the appointment of a supplier for seeds, fertilisers, and pesticides.
He committed the offence at the Sungai Besar Area Fishermen's Association office in Sabak Bernam on November 24, 2020.
He was also ordered to serve an additional three months in prison if he fails to pay the fine.
Judge Datuk Mohd Nasir Nordin ordered the sentencing to begin on Thursday but allowed a stay pending appeal.
The judge set bail at RM9,000, an increase from the previous RM8,000.
In his judgment, Mohd Nasir said Khusairi admitted to receiving the money but claimed it was for a contribution to the LKIM Selangor Welfare and Sports Club.
"The accused, however, failed to provide any receipts or supporting documents to prove the funds had been given to the club," said the judge, adding Khusairi admitted using some funds for another purpose.
He said Khusairi’s defence was merely a denial and lacked consistent evidence, allowing the prosecution to prove their case beyond a reasonable doubt.
Khusairi was charged under Section 165 of the Penal Code, which provides for imprisonment of up to two years or a fine or both.
In mitigation, Khusairi’s counsel Adly Zulfadly Zulkefly said his client is a single parent supporting his school-going children and an ailing father.
He added the accused had served the civil service for almost three decades and received an excellent service reward.
Adly Zulfadly requested a minimum fine, noting Khusairi has been suspended from work.
Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission DPP Mohd Aliff Shahruzaman said, as a director of LKIM, Khusairi should have set a good example.
He then said that the court should hand down a heavy penalty in line with the seriousness of the crime.
