Malaysia's ex-human resources minister pleads not guilty to graft charges

Former Malaysian Human Resources Minister M. Saravanan pleaded not guilty to three corruption charges at the Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court on August 28. The charges, totaling over RM1 million, are linked to the approval of foreign worker quotas during his tenure as minister.

The 58-year-old politician allegedly received RM150,000 and RM350,000 in cash from a director of Vectica Resources on two separate occasions in June and July 2022. A third charge involves receiving RM597,000 via a cheque deposited into a company bank account on July 7, 2022. Prosecutors stated the money was a kickback for approving a quota of 1,000 foreign workers for TYKB Engineering.

Saravanan was charged under Section 16(a)(B) of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Act. If convicted, he faces a maximum of 20 years in prison and a fine of at least five times the gratification amount or RM10,000. The prosecution proposed bail at RM800,000, citing the non-bailable nature of the offense, and requested additional conditions.

His defense lawyer objected to the bail amount, calling it excessive and proposing RM400,000, emphasizing Saravanan's determination to clear his name. The court ultimately set bail at RM450,000 with one surety. Additional conditions include reporting to the nearest MACC office every three months and a prohibition from harassing witnesses. The case is scheduled for mention on September 29.

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I understand the charges. I plead not guilty.