KUALA LUMPUR: The defence in former human resources minister Datuk Seri M. Saravanan's corruption case is seeking the earliest possible trial date, noting that the case dates back to 2022 and investigations have been ongoing since then.
Saravanan faces three corruption charges involving RM1.097mil, linked to the approval of foreign worker quotas.
His lawyer, Datuk Geethan Ram Vincent, made the request before Sessions Court Judge Azrul Darus during case management Tuesday (Sept 29).
"This case dates back to 2022, and the investigations have been ongoing since then. The outstanding documents could still be supplied to the defence before the trial begins.
"The prosecution can provide the documents at any time before the trial date. So, I am applying for the earliest available trial date," he said.
Earlier, deputy public prosecutor P. Rubini told the court that the prosecution had handed over 22 sets of documents to Geethan Ram on Tuesday morning.
"However, there are still several documents that need to be handed over. Therefore, I am requesting another date," she said.
The judge repeatedly asked how many documents were still pending. The prosecutor clarified that two categories, Cabinet papers and Cabinet memoranda, had yet to be handed over.
When the judge asked how many Cabinet papers were involved, Rubini said the number had yet to be determined, as the prosecution had applied to the Cabinet to obtain them.
"The investigating officer is in the midst of obtaining the papers," she added.
Judge Azrul then asked Rubini how much longer the prosecution would need to provide the remaining documents. Rubini replied that it would take at least a month. Subsequently, he fixed Nov 3 for the next mention and fixing of trial dates.
On Aug 28, Saravanan pleaded not guilty in the Sessions Court here to three corruption charges involving RM1.097mil, linked to the approval of foreign worker quotas.
On the first and second charges, Saravanan is alleged to have received RM150,000 and RM350,000 in cash, respectively, from Vectica Resources Sdn Bhd director Tan Teck Lim, 65, through Syed Amirul Syed Ahmad, 38, at Bukit Jalil Golf & Country Resorts and Jalan Telawi 3, Bangsar, on June 16 and July 7, 2022.
The payments were allegedly an inducement and reward for Saravanan, in his capacity as Human Resources Minister, to approve an application by TYKB Engineering Sdn Bhd for 1,000 foreign worker quotas.
For the third charge, Saravanan is accused of receiving RM597,000 from the same individual through a cheque deposited into the account of Big Seven Ventures Sdn Bhd for the same purpose at Maybank Islamic Berhad, Old Klang Road branch in Taman Desa here on July 7, 2022.
All three charges were framed under Section 16(a)(B) of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2009, which provides for a maximum jail term of 20 years and a fine of not less than five times the value of the gratification or RM10,000, whichever is higher, upon conviction. - Bernama
