Ex-military spy chief charged with taking US$20k bribe, flight tickets for wife

Former Malaysian Defence Intelligence Organisation director-general Razali Alias has claimed trial to three charges relating to kickbacks, including a bribe for himself and two return flight tickets to Europe for his wife.

In the first charge, Razali was accused of taking US$20,000 (RM78,550) from Intelligence PC Centre Sdn Bhd director Sheikh Ahmad Nafiq Sheikh A Rahman, as inducement to approve a confirmation letter and service acceptance for the procurement of maintenance and system support services for the Cyber Defence Operations Centre.

The crime was believed to have been committed between August and November 2024.

The charge was framed under Section 16(a)(B) of the MACC Act for accepting gratification, which is punishable with up to 20 years in jail and a fine five times the amount of the bribe received.

For the second and third charges, Razali allegedly accepted from Sheikh Nafiq without reciprocation, two return flight tickets for his wife, Azarina Bakia, to Spain and Estonia worth RM26,800 and RM37,800, respectively.

The flight tickets were accepted on Nov 15, 2024, and April 28, 2025, respectively.

These charges were framed under Section 165 of the Penal Code for public servants accepting valuable items without consideration from persons involved in business transacted by the public servant, and carry a jail term of up to two years, or a fine, or both.

The charges were read out in the Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court before judge Suzanna Hussin.

RM50k bail

Deputy public prosecutor Law Chin How had suggested that the court impose RM200,000 bail on Razali, deeming the accused a flight risk.

However, Razali’s lawyer, Geethan Ram Vincent, pleaded for a lower amount, submitting that the accused has been cooperative with the authorities throughout their investigation, and that the bail imposed is to secure the accused’s attendance in court.

Suzana ordered RM50,000 bail for the accused and for him to surrender his passport to the court.

The judge also fixed March 4 for case mention.

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