A BUSINESSMAN today claimed trial to corruption charges that mentioned former home minister Hamzah Zainudin.

Sixty-three-year-old Sim Choo Thiam pleaded not guilty before the Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court to one count of soliciting and three counts of receiving bribes amounting to RM15 million two years ago.

According to the four charges, Sim was accused of committing the offences between June and July 30, 2021, as inducement for Hamzah.

The inducement for Hamzah, who was home minister in the Perikatan Nasional administration, was allegedly to help Asia Coding Centre Sdn Bhd to obtain projects from agencies under the ministry.

Sim was accused of soliciting and receiving bribes from Asia Coding Centre managing director Hep Kim Hong, via one Syed Abu Zhafran Syed Ahmad.

The offence was alleged to have been committed at Solaris Dutamas, Jalan Dutamas 1, Kuala Lumpur.

The charges against Sim are framed under section 16(a)(B) of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Act 2009, with section 24(1) of the same act specifying maximum penalties of imprisonment not exceeding 20 years, as well as a fine not less than five times the alleged graft amount involved or RM10,000, whichever is higher, if the accused is found guilty. 

After Sim pleaded not guilty to all four charges, judge Rozina Ayob set bail at RM1 million with one surety, and ordered the accused to surrender his passport and report to the MACC headquarters in Kuala Lumpur once a month.

The trial judge set June 14 for mention.

Deputy public prosecutor Ahmad Akram Gharib prosecuted, while Sim was represented by counsel Low Wei Loke, Hannah Kam and Kee Wei Lon. – May 10, 2023.