SEREMBAN: A senior officer with the Negri Sembilan Youth and Sports Department pleaded not guilty in the Sessions Court here Tuesday (May 27) to two charges of abusing his position to secure contracts for a company owned by his wife in 2021 and 2022.
Rosdi Pilus, 50, an S44 grade officer, entered the plea after the charges were read before judge Darmafikri Abu Adam.
He is accused of abusing his position by processing a RM19,990 payment voucher for the procurement of accommodation and refreshments for the Southern Zone Packaging Design and Product Labelling Technology Course, a contract that was awarded to MAAR Diversified Enterprise, owned by his 51-year-old wife.
He is also accused of approving RM5,000 in favour of the same company for the procurement of services for the state-level 2022 National Sports Day programme.
The offences were allegedly committed at the department on Nov 18, 2021 and Feb 23, 2022, respectively.
He was charged under Section 23(1) of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Act 2009, punishable by up to 20 years' imprisonment and a minimum fine of five times the gratification sum or RM10,000, whichever is higher, upon conviction
MACC prosecuting officer Zainab Yahaya requested bail of RM15,000 for both charges.
However, the accused’s lawyer, Muhammad Wajih Zakwan Hanif, appealed for a minimum amount, citing his client’s financial constraints, low flight risk and full cooperation with MACC during the investigation.
The court subsequently allowed bail at RM5,000 with one surety for both charges and fixed the next case mention for July 7. – Bernama
