'Datuk Seri' claims trial in RM15m graft case linked to Home Ministry

A ‘Datuk Seri’ claimed trial in the criminal court over four graft charges that mentioned former home minister Hamzah Zainudin.

Before the Sessions Court in Kuala Lumpur today, businessperson Sim Choo Thiam pleaded not guilty to one count of soliciting and three counts of receiving bribes involving RM15 million that purportedly took place two years ago.

According to the four graft charges, the 63-year-old was accused of committing the offences between June (specific date not mentioned) and July 30, 2021, as inducement for Hamzah, who was then home minister during the Perikatan Nasional administration, to help Asia Coding Centre Sdn Bhd to obtain any project from agencies under the ministry.

Sim was accused of soliciting the bribe from one Syed Abu Zhafran Syed Ahmad, and receiving the bribe from Asia Coding Centre managing director Hep Kim Hong.

The accused was alleged to have committed the offences at Solaris Dutamas, Jalan Dutamas 1, Kuala Lumpur.

The charges are framed under Section 16(a)(B) of the MACC Act 2009, with Section 24(1) of the same act specifying maximum penalties of imprisonment not exceeding 20 years, as well as fine not less than five times the alleged graft amount involved or RM10,000, whichever is higher, if the accused is found guilty.

After Sim pleaded not guilty to all four charges read out, judge Rozina Ayob set bail at RM1 million with one surety and ordered the accused to surrender his passport as well as report to the nearest MACC headquarters in Kuala Lumpur once a month.

The trial judge also set June 14 for mention of the case.

Deputy public prosecutor Ahmad Akram Gharib prosecuted, while Sim was represented by counsel Low Wei Loke, Hannah Kam and Kee Wei Lon.

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