Former Tekun Nasional CEO and managing director Abdul Rahim Hassan today claimed trial to two charges of corruption at the Shah Alam Sessions Court.

The 62-year-old is accused of soliciting a RM36,000 bribe on Jan 13, 2015 through phone text messaging service, in exchange for expediting payment for claims filed by Pasadana Sdn Bhd amounting to RM360,009.08.

In doing so, he allegedly committed an offence under Section 16(a) of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2009, which is punishable by up to 20 years imprisonment and a fine which at very least amounts to the sum of the gratification.

He is also facing a second charge under the same provision for allegedly receiving the RM36,000 bribe at the Kelab Shah Alam lobby at 9.30pm on Jan 15 that year.

Sessions judge Asmadi Hussin fixed bail at RM18,000 for both charges with one surety and ordered Abdul Rahim to surrender his passport.

The case is set for mention on Feb 8 this year and the hearing is set for March 13 until March 17.

Earlier, deputy public prosecutor (DPP) Aida Adhha Abu Bakar asked for RM20,000 bail for each of the two charges.

However, Abdul Rahim’s lead counsel Hasnal Rezna Merican asked for the bail to be set at RM18,000 for both charges instead, as the trial for both charges should run concurrently as they pertain to the same transaction, and the bail would secure Abdul Rahim’s attendance for that one set of hearings.

He also argued that the sum involved is relatively small and Abdul Rahim was merely a retired civil servant with no assets abroad.

Also representing Abdul Rahim today was lawyer Muzzammil Merican, while DPP Wan Ahmad Nidzam Wan Omar appeared for the prosecution.

Abdul Rahim was arrested at his home yesterday, a day after returning from performing the umrah.

This is the second time Abdul Rahim has been hauled up to court to face graft charges. 

He was charged in November 2015 with two counts of corruptly approving loans of RM100,000 each to a company where he has family ties.

The charges, however, have since been withdrawn.