BUTTERWORTH: A businessman, who was charged with offering a RM615,000 bribe to "settle" a 2019 Bukit Aman case involving another individual, was freed by the Sessions Court here today.
Judge Zulhazmi Abdullah, in acquitting Chan Eng Leong, 50, said after thoroughly looking at the statements and evidence presented in court, the prosecution had failed to prove a prima facie case.
He said the defence had succeeded in proving a case beyond reasonable doubt.
"As such, the court acquits and discharges you," he said to an overjoyed Chan.
On Sept 7, 2020, Chan was charged with soliciting US$150,000 and accepting bribes in its ringgit equivalent from Goh Choon Kim between March 30 and 31, 2019.
The offence was allegedly committed at the Vangohh Eminent Hotel's office at Machang Bubok, Bukit Mertajam about 5pm.
Chan was also charged with accepting RM615,000 from Goh at the Global Tobacco Manufacturers Sdn Bhd office at Machang Bubok on April 1, 2019.
The sum was allegedly paid to "settle" an investigation by Bukit Aman into Goh Kim Heong under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (Sosma).
Chan was charged with two counts of bribery under Section 16(a)(A) of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2009, one for soliciting the bribe and another for accepting it.
The charge carries a maximum 20-year jail term and a fine of up to five times the gratification sought, upon conviction.
Chan was represented by counsel RSN Rayer while Deputy Public Prosecutor Aznika Mohd Anas prosecuted.
As soon as proceedings ended, Chan immediately hugged and thanked Rayer.