SANDAKAN: A government retiree pleaded not guilty to misappropriating RM45,000 belonging to the Sandakan District Mini Bus Operators Association, allegedly meant for payment of 18 additional bus services during the closing ceremony of the 2017 Sabah Games (SAGA) here.
Mohammed Hasdi Astan, 62, made his plea before Sessions Court Judge Elsie Primus at the Special Corruption Court on Wednesday.
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Mohammed is accused of committing the offence on December 20, 2017, at about 10am at the Sandakan District Mini Bus Operators Association office, Level 9, Room 904, Wisma Khoo, here.
He was charged under Section 403 of the Penal Code, which carries a jail sentence between six months and five years’ imprisonment, whipping and a fine, upon conviction.
Earlier, Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) prosecuting officer Dzulkarnaen Rousan Hasbi applied for bail to be set at RM15,000 with a local surety pending trial.
He also requested that Mohammed report to the nearest MACC office once every two months, surrender his international passport and any restricted travel documents to the court for safekeeping, and refrain from interfering with prosecution witnesses.
However, counsel Rowiena Rasid sought a reduction in bail, citing several mitigating factors faced by her client.
She said her client is a pensioner who is still supporting his wife and two unemployed children, and poses no flight risk as he resides here and would be able to report to the MACC as required.
She also told the court that Mohammed suffers from high blood pressure and requires monthly medical check-ups at public or private hospitals, which incur additional financial costs.
Rowiena added that a high bail amount could result in her client being detained pending trial, noting that this was his first charge and that he is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
The court granted bail of RM5,000 in cash with two local sureties, subject to the additional conditions sought by the MACC prosecution, and set March 9 for mention.
