Kedah MB’s ex‑political secretary ordered to enter defence in REE mining bribery case

The Sessions Court in Kuala Lumpur has ordered Mohamad Hilmi Abdul Wahab, the former political secretary to Kedah's Menteri Besar, to enter his defence against charges of soliciting and accepting bribes related to rare earth element (REE) mining projects from three years ago. Judge Suzana Hussin made this decision after the prosecution successfully presented a prima facie case against Mohamad Hilmi, 53.

Both parties have now been given a four-day window, beginning on October 9, to prepare for the defence proceedings. The case was heard by Deputy Public Prosecutor Natrah Fareha Rahmat, and Mohamad Hilmi was represented by lawyer Syed Naqiuddin Shahab. In November 2023, Mohamad Hilmi pleaded not guilty to both charges: the first for allegedly soliciting a RM250,000 cash bribe from REE Mining Group Sdn Bhd director Liana Mamat, 43, to help secure approval for the company's REE Mining Licence and Exploration Licence applications in Kedah, and the second for accepting a RM150,000 cash bribe from the same individual for the same purpose at a restaurant in Desa Sri Hartamas on July 11, 2023.

The charges fall under Section 16(a)(A) of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2009, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a fine of up to RM10,000, or five times the amount of the bribe, whichever is greater.