A FORMER CEO of Malaysia Automotive, Robotics and Internet of Things Institute (MARii) has been charged with accepting a RM5 million bribe two years ago.

Madani Sahari, however, pleaded not guilty before Shah Alam Sessions Court judge Rozilah Salleh.

He is accused of receiving the money from one Khow Chuen Wah to assist Syarikat Aspire Knowledge Sdn Bhd obtain the letter of award for a RM12 million project.

Madani was charged under section 16(a)(A) of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Act, which provides for up to 20 years’ jail and a fine no less than five times the alleged sum, upon conviction.

Rozilah granted bail of RM300,000 in one surety. She also ordered Madani to surrender his passport pending disposal of his case.

The court fixed June 8 for case management.

Madani is expected to face more charges in the Kuala Lumpur and Alor Star Sessions Courts later.

Madani had been MARii CEO since April 2010. It is an agency under the International Trade and Industry Ministry (Miti).

It was reported in March last year that MACC had arrested 10 people to assist in investigations into a project under MARii.

Last week, the government announced the appointment of Azrul Reza Aziz as the new MARii CEO. – April 14, 2023.