Former Kedah MB political secretary ordered to defend himself in bribery case

A former political secretary to the Kedah Menteri Besar, Mohamad Hilmi Abdul Wahab, must now present his defense against corruption charges linked to rare earth element (REE) mining projects in the state. The Sessions Court in Kuala Lumpur ordered him to enter his defense after ruling that the prosecution had successfully proven a prima facie case.

The 53-year-old Mohamad Hilmi faces accusations of soliciting RM250,000 from the Director of REE Mining Group Sdn Bhd, Liana Mamat @ Khalid, through an intermediary. This alleged bribe was intended to facilitate the company's applications for REE mining and exploration licenses in Kedah. He also stands accused of accepting RM150,000 from the same individual for the same purpose.

These offenses allegedly occurred in July 2023 at separate locations in Kuala Lumpur. The charges are brought under Section 16(a)(A) of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2009, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine of no less than five times the bribe amount or RM10,000, whichever is higher, if convicted.

During the proceedings, Deputy Public Prosecutor Natrah Fareha Rahmat presented the case, while lawyer Syed Naqiuddin Shahab represented Mohamad Hilmi. The court has scheduled four days, starting October 9, for the defense's presentation.