Mohamad Hilmi Abdul Wahab, a former political secretary to the Kedah menteri besar, was charged in the Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court today with soliciting and accepting bribes in connection with the rare earth element (REE) mining project in the state.

Hilmi, 50, pleaded not guilty to both charges which were read out before judge Suzana Hussin.

On the first charge, Hilmi was alleged to have solicited a cash bribe amounting to RM250,000 from REE Mining Group director Liana Mamat @ Khalid, 40, through Syed Muhammad Syed Aluvi, 34.

It was as an inducement for him (Hilmi), who was then the political secretary to Menteri Besar Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor, to help the company get the approval for its application for an REE mining and exploration licence in Kedah.

The offence was allegedly committed at a premises in Sunway Kiara Hills, Taman Sri Hartamas here, on July 4 this year.

He was also charged with receiving RM150,000 from Liana for the same purpose at a restaurant in Sri Hartamas Village here last July 11.

The charge, framed under Section 16(a)(A) of the MACC Act 2009, provides imprisonment for up to 20 years and a fine of not less than five times the amount or value of the bribe or RM10,000, whichever is higher.

Judge Suzana, in allowing Hilmi bail of RM45,000 with one surety for both charges, also ordered him to surrender his passport to the court and report himself at the Kedah MACC office once a month pending the disposal of his case.

She also advised him against intimidating witnesses in the case and set Jan 12 next year for mention.

Deputy public prosecutor Wan Shaharuddin Wan Ladin prosecuted, while lawyer Syed Naqiuddin Shahab represented Hilmi.

- Bernama

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