Lenggeng assemblyman Mustafa Salim from Umno was acquitted and discharged by the Sessions Court in Seremban today of three counts of corruption.

Judge Amran Jantan held that the prosecution had failed to prove its case beyond reasonable doubt.

He said the evidence showed that the complainant was not sure whether he obtained the sand permit after receiving a letter of support from Mustafa.

Mustafa, 52, was charged with soliciting a RM3,000 bribe from M Manimaran through Mustafa Pendek at Lot 1321, Mukim Pantai in Seremban at 11am on Aug 28, 2008, as an inducement to issue a letter of support for Manimaran to obtain a permit to sell sand.

He was also charged with receiving RM2,000 from Manimaran for the same purpose at Jahrin Maju Restaurant, Taman Bunga Raya 2, Mantin, at 5pm on Aug 31, 2008.

The third charge accused him of soliciting RM2,000 from Manimaran at the state MACC office in Jalan Datuk Klana Ma'amor at 9.05pm on Aug 30, 2008.

Deputy public prosecutor from the state Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Feza Fazlin Fandi prosecuted while Mustafa was represented by counsel Feisal Mustapha and Taqiyuddin Yahya.

- Bernama