Kedah MB’s ex-aide ordered to enter defence in rare earth bribery case
Kuala Lumpur sessions court judge Suzana Hussin says the prosecution has established a prima facie case against Hilmi Abdul Wahab.
On November 20, 2023, former political secretary to the Kedah menteri besar, Hilmi Abdul Wahab, pleaded not guilty to two charges of soliciting and accepting bribes linked to rare earth mining projects. Hilmi, 53, faced charges alongside Liana Mamat @ Khalid, director of REE Mining Group Sdn Bhd, and Syed Muhammad Syid Aluvi, 37.
The prosecution had established a prima facie case against Hilmi, according to Judge Suzana Hussin, who ordered him to enter his defence. The court subsequently scheduled four days, starting from October 9, for Hilmi's defence proceedings. The alleged bribery occurred on July 4 and July 11, 2023, with Hilmi seeking and accepting cash bribes from Liana and Syed Muhammad Syid Aluvi, respectively.
The charges under Section 16(a)(A) of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2009 carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and substantial fines upon conviction.
Written by urgent.news from Free Malaysia Today's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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