KOTA KINABALU: Makinsos Nawai, the president of non-governmental organisation Sabah United Rungus Organisation (PRBS), has pleaded not guilty to a charge of obtaining a bribe worth RM2mil.
He entered the plea after the charge was read out before Judge Andi Razalijaya A. Dadi at the Sessions Court here on Thursday (July 23).
Makinsos is accused of using his position as president of the organisation to obtain a bribe in connection with the construction of the Rungus Cultural Hall and Gallery, funded by the Sabah Ministry of Finance.
He allegedly submitted the application and personally carried out the construction of the hall without the approval of the organisation's supreme council members, despite having a vested interest in managing the allocation application and project.
Makinsos is said to have committed the offence in 2022.
He was charged under Section 23(1) of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Act 2009, which provides for a prison term of up to 20 years and a fine of not less than five times the value of the bribe, or RM10,000, whichever is higher, upon conviction.
The court allowed him bail of RM50,000 with two sureties and ordered him to report to the nearest MACC office once a month until the case is concluded and to surrender his passport.
Makinsos was also prohibited from disturbing, contacting, or interfering with any prosecution witnesses, whether directly or indirectly.
The court then set the trial for Nov 2 to 4. – Bernama
