By Dorcas Ting
KUCHING, May 28: The Kuching High Court sentenced a former headmaster of a primary school to three years’ jail and a fine of RM430,950 after he was found guilty of abuse of power involving a contract worth more than RM80,000.
High Court Judge Datuk Supang Lian found Ismail Idris, 61, guilty as charged and sentenced him to prison with effect from May 28 and a fine of RM430,950 or by instalment of RM86,190 for five months or in default to six months’ imprisonment to take effect after he had served imprisonment of three years.
According to the prosecution, Ismail had formed an appointment committee to appoint a supplier for the primary school’s Supplementary Food Programme for the period of July 2016 to November 2016, on June 20, 2016.
On June 24, 2016, during a meeting, the Kuching Education Office Officer decided to appoint a catering company as the food supplier for the food programme starting July 1, 2016 to November 25, 2016.
In mid-June 2016, Ismail had allegedly contacted the owner of the catering company to discuss taking over the food programme supply role and give it to his wife. He had allegedly offered to give the company five per cent of the profit earned. The catering company was forced to agree as Ismail was the one who had secured them with the project tendered.
Ismail was charged under Section 23 of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Act 2009 which carries a maximum of 20 years’ jail and a fine not less than five times the value of the gratification, or RM10,000, whichever is higher, upon conviction.
DPP Nur Nisla Abd Latif prosecuted. — DayakDaily
