National Unity assistant officer pleads not guilty to receiving bribe

IPOH: An assistant officer with the National Unity and Integration department pleaded not guilty to a charge of receiving a bribe to settle a corruption case involving an individual at the Sessions Court here today.
Abdul Kadar K. Sikinthar Bacha, 48, allegedly received RM5,000 from C. Samugam, 64, to be given to Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) personnel to resolve the case against him.
He committed the offence at Syarikat K. Pitchai, 21, Jalan Barrack, Taiping at 2pm on July 26, 2016.
MACC prosecution officer R. Kumuthambal asked the court to impose an RM20,000 bail as the alleged offence affects the integrity, reputation and credibility of the anti-graft body.
The offence under Section 16(a) of the MACC Act 2009 (Act 694) is punishable under Section 24 of the same act.
Abdul Kadar faces a maximum 20 years prison term and a fine of not less than five times the value of bribe or RM10,000, whichever is higher.
The accused who was unrepresented, asked the court to reduce the amount of the bail as both he and his wife have medical issues.
"I've been suffering from a leg ulcer since eight years ago, while my wife is a psychiatric patient and is undergoing treatment.
"I can only afford to pay RM2,000 and promise not to disappear since I am a civil servant," he pleaded with the court.

Judge S. Indera Nehru then fixed bail at RM18,000 and ordered the accused to report to the MACC office here once a month.
She also fixed Oct 5 for mention.