Religious dept officer denies graft charge

IPOH: A religious administrative officer in Bagan Serai pleaded not guilty at the sessions court today to a charge of abuse of power over a RM6,000 bribe for approving food and beverage supplies four years ago.
Tarmizi Sahari, 55 (pix), was charged with committing the offence at the Bagan Serai Religious Office on Oct 8, 2014, involving two programmes held on Oct 6 and 9 of the same year.
The accused was charged under Section 23 of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2009, that carries a maximum jail term of 20 years or a fine of five times the amount of bribe or RM10,000, whichever is higher.
Prosecution was conducted by DPP R. Kumuthambal while the accused was represented by Ahmad Shamil Azad Abdul Hamid.
Judge Indra Nehru set bail at RM10,000 in one surety and fixed May 17 for mention.