KUALA LUMPUR: The Sessions Court has ordered Mohamad Hilmi Abdul Wahab, the former political secretary to the Kedah Mentri Besar, to enter his defence on two charges of soliciting and accepting bribes in connection with rare earth element (REE) mining projects.
Judge Suzana Hussin made the ruling after finding that the prosecution had successfully established a prima facie case against Mohamad Hilmi, 53, at the close of its case.
"Having examined all the witness testimony and submissions of both parties, the court finds that the prosecution has established a prima facie case against the accused on all charges. Accordingly, the accused is ordered to enter his defence," said Suzana.
The court then fixed four days, starting Oct 9, for the defence proceedings.
On Nov 20, 2023, Mohamad Hilmi pleaded not guilty to a charge of soliciting a cash bribe of RM250,000 from REE Mining Group Sdn Bhd director Liana Mamat @ Khalid, 43, through Syed Muhammad Syid Aluvi, 37.
The bribe was allegedly sought as an inducement for the accused, who was then political secretary to Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor, to assist the company in obtaining approval for its REE Mining Licence and Exploration Licence applications in Kedah.
The offence was allegedly committed at a premises in Sunway Kiara Hills, Taman Sri Hartamas, here, on July 4, 2023.
He also pleaded not guilty to a charge of accepting a cash bribe of RM150,000 from the same individual (Liana) for the same purpose, at a restaurant in Desa Sri Hartamas on July 11, 2023.
The charges are framed under Section 16(a)(A) of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2009, which provides for a maximum imprisonment term of 20 years and a fine of not less than five times the amount or value of the bribe, or RM10,000, whichever is higher, upon conviction. – Bernama
