Former Political Secretary to Kedah Menteri Besar Ordered to Enter Defence Over RM400,000 Rare Earth Bribe Allegations

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 20 — The Sessions Court today ordered Mohamad Hilmi Abdul Wahab, the former political secretary to the Kedah Menteri Besar, to enter his defence on two charges of soliciting and accepting RM400,000 rare earth bribe relating to mining licenses in the state.

Judge Suzana Hussin delivered the ruling after determining that the prosecution had established a prima facie case against the 53-year-old former political aide at the close of its case.

“Having examined all the witness testimony and submissions of both parties, the court finds that the prosecution has established a prima facie case against the accused on all charges. Accordingly, the accused is ordered to enter his defence,” Judge Suzana ruled.

The court fixed four days, beginning Oct 9, for defence proceedings.

Deputy Public Prosecutor Natrah Fareha Rahmat conducted the prosecution, while lawyer Syed Naqiuddin Shahab represented Mohamad Hilmi.

Mohamad Hilmi was first charged on Nov 20, 2023, where he pleaded not guilty to soliciting a RM250,000 cash bribe from REE Mining Group Sdn Bhd director Liana Mamat @ Khalid, 43, through intermediary Syed Muhammad Syid Aluvi, 37.

The bribe was allegedly solicited as an inducement for Mohamad Hilmi, who was then serving as political secretary to Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor, to assist the mining company in securing approvals for its Rare Earth Element Mining Licence and Exploration Licence applications in Kedah.

The alleged solicitation occurred at a premise in Sunway Kiara Hills, Taman Sri Hartamas, on July 4, 2023.

Mohamad Hilmi also pleaded not guilty to a second charge of accepting a RM150,000 cash bribe from Liana for the same purpose at a restaurant in Desa Sri Hartamas on July 11, 2023.

Both charges are framed under Section 16(a)(A) of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Act 2009, punishable under Section 24(1) of the same Act. Upon conviction, the offence carries a maximum jail term of 20 years and a fine of not less than five times the bribe amount, or RM10,000, whichever is higher.

–NMT