Son of Opposition Leader Faces Court Over RM100,000 Bribery Charge
The alleged bribery offence took place in March 2018 and the charges are under Section 16(a)(A) of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Act 2009
In a high-profile case that has drawn significant public attention, Muhammad Faisal Hamzah, the son of Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin, appeared at the Sessions Court on Wednesday, where he pleaded not guilty to a bribery charge amounting to RM100,000.
Before Judge Rozina Ayob, Muhammad Faisal, 40, asserted his innocence after the charge was read out, firmly stating, "I plead not guilty."
The charges against Muhammad Faisal allege that he accepted the substantial bribe from Izmir Abd Hamid. The bribe was reportedly an inducement for Heitech Padu Bhd to appoint Rimba Merpati Sdn Bhd and Syarikat Per My Solutions as marketing consultants, leveraging his influence.
JOY LACSINA
Following this, the companies received a commission of RM700,000 after Heitech Padu Bhd secured a RM33 million contract for the 'Supply, Rental, Implementation, Training, Support and Maintenance of Security Infrastructure' tender by the Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM).
Bribery charges
The alleged bribery offence took place in March 2018 at an office in Publika Shopping Gallery, Jalan Dutamas 1.
Muhammad Faisal faces charges under Section 16(a)(A) of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Act 2009. If convicted, he could face up to 20 years in prison and a fine of at least five times the amount of the bribe, or RM10,000, whichever is higher.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Mahadi Abdul Jumaat proposed bail at RM30,000, with additional conditions including the surrender of Muhammad Faisal's passport, monthly reporting to the MACC office starting in July, and a prohibition on contacting prosecution witnesses.
In response, Muhammad Faisal's lawyer, Ravinder Singh Dhalliwal, requested a reduced bail amount of RM25,000, citing his client's need to travel to Thailand monthly to establish a hostel there. DPP Mahadi maintained that the proposed bail was appropriate given the nature of the charge and Muhammad Faisal's background, noting that he does not face significant financial difficulties and is the son of a former senior minister.
Ultimately, Judge Rozina set bail at RM25,000 with one surety and upheld the additional conditions. Muhammad Faisal’s legal battles are sure to be closely watched as the case unfolds.