Prolintas Group’s Chief Operating Officer, Rostam Shahrif Tami, was recently charged at the Sessions Court for allegedly soliciting and accepting a RM70,000 bribe related to the Sungai Besi-Ulu Kelang Elevated Expressway (SUKE) project.
Rostam, 59, pleaded not guilty to the charge, which was presented before Judge Rosli Ahmad. The case stems from accusations that he received the bribe on April 12, 2023, in the parking lot of Masjid Ibnu Mas’ud, Kampung Datuk Keramat. The funds were allegedly provided by a representative of Satunas Technologies Sdn Bhd as an inducement to secure work packages for the SUKE highway project.
The charge falls under Section 16(a)(A) of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Act 2009. If convicted, Rostam could face up to 20 years in prison and a minimum fine of RM10,000.
Judge Rosli set bail at RM60,000 and imposed strict conditions, including the surrender of Rostam’s passport and a monthly reporting requirement to the nearest MACC office. Rostam, who is currently on garden leave, was represented by lawyer Dzulkifli Ahmad, while Deputy Public Prosecutor Nor Diana Nor Azwa led the case for the prosecution.
The allegations against Rostam are part of a broader investigation launched by the MACC last June into corruption linked to Prolintas and its multi-billion-ringgit highway projects. The investigation highlights the Malaysian government’s ongoing efforts to combat corruption in high-profile infrastructure developments.
News of the charges has drawn public attention due to the magnitude of the SUKE project, which aims to ease congestion in the Klang Valley and improve connectivity in the region. Critics argue that corruption in such projects undermines public trust and inflates costs, affecting taxpayers and commuters alike.
The case underscores Malaysia’s intensified scrutiny of corruption cases under the MACC, particularly in large-scale projects involving significant public funds. With Rostam denying the charges, the court proceedings are expected to shed more light on the alleged misconduct and its implications for Prolintas and the SUKE project.
As the investigation continues, the public will be closely monitoring developments, hoping for transparency and accountability in the handling of the case.
Information source: Malay Mail
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