Kota Kinabalu: An application by a businessman charged with offering bribes of RM350,000 to two former assemblymen in relation to applications for mineral exploration licences in Sabah, to transfer his cases from the lower court to High Court, was rejected on Monday.
Judicial Commissioner Dayang Ellyn Narisa made the order for Datuk Tei Jiann Cheing (pic) also known as Albert Tei who attended the proceedings via Zoom.
Tei’s cases would be heard in the Sessions Court.
On the first count, Tei allegedly gave a RM150,000 bribe to former Tanjung Batu Assemblyman Datuk Andi Muhammad Suryady Bandy, as an inducement to assist in the processing of the Sinaran Hayat Sdn Bhd’s application for a Prospecting Licence for mineral in Sabah.
He allegedly committed the offence at 11pm on May 12, 2023, at Andi’s residence in Jalan Pantai, Sembulan, near here.
On the second count, Tei is accused of giving a RM200,000 bribe to former Sindumin Assemblyman Datuk Dr Yusof Yacob, as an inducement to assist in the processing the Prospecting Licence for Nusa Kini Sdn Bhd also to explore for minerals in Sabah.
The offence allegedly took place at 2pm on March 6, 2023 at the Rooftop Bar & Grill @ Hilton, here.
It is believed that Syarikat Nusa Kini and Syarikat Sinaran Hayat based in Sabah were owned by Tei’s business partners.
Tei was charged under Section 16(b)(A) of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Act 2009, punishable under Section 24(1) of the same Act, which carries a jail term of up to 20 years and a fine of not less than five times of the amount involved, or RM10,000, or which one is higher, on conviction.
MACC Deputy Public Prosecutor Rustam Sanip appeared for the prosecution while counsel Jul Hamri defended Tei.
Tei’s bail had been extended.
