By Shikin Louis
SIBU, Aug 19: The Sibu Sessions Court ordered the acquittal and discharge of a police officer accused of receiving RM15,000 bribe.
This decision follows the defence’s success in raising reasonable doubt over the prosecution’s case against the policeman aged 48.
The accused was charged with corruptly accepting gratification for himself, in cash totalling RM15,000 in exchange for not taking legal action against another man who was suspected of conducting illegal lottery activities.
The offence was committed on Oct 11, 2018, between 8.30pm and 9.15pm in front of Courts Sdn Bhd, Jalan Wong King Huo, Sibu.
The accused was charged under Section 17(a) of the Malaysia Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2009 and 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 the amount or value of the bribe, or RM10,000, whichever is higher.
He was also charged under Section 165 of the Penal Code and punishable under the same Section and Act, which carries a jail term of up to two years or with fine or with both.
“I find that the prosecution failed to prove its case beyond reasonable doubt on the amended main charge under Section 17(a) of MACC Act 2009 and on the amended alternative charge under Section 165 of the Penal Code.
“On these premises, I discharge and acquit the accused on the amended main charge and the amended alternative charge. Any bail sum paid is refunded,” Judge Steve Ritikos said in a statement issued at 11.05am today.
Deputy Public Prosecutors Nur Nisla Abd Latif and Yong Ann Nee together with MACC Sarawak prosecuting officer Jawa Milu prosecuted while the accused was represented by lawyer Shankar Ram Asnani with pupils of M/s Thomas, Shankar Ram & Company Advocates. — DayakDaily
