KUALA LUMPUR: Opposition leader Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin has denounced the charges against his son as a calculated act of "character assassination" aimed at undermining his political career.
In a statement today, Hamzah, who is also the Member of Parliament for Larut, claimed that the move was the latest effort by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's administration to discredit Bersatu leaders.
He described the charges as an outdated tactic designed to silence critics by targeting Perikatan Nasional (PN) leaders and their families.
"This is a classic case of 'Tak dapat tanduk, telinga dipulas'. The charge was a series of political assassinations targeted towards me as an opposition leader as efforts to manipulate various government agencies to create narratives, perceptions and political charges against Bersatu leaders, including myself, have failed.
"(But), I believe that truth will prevail in the end," said the PN secretary-general.
Earlier today, Hamzah's son, Muhammad Faisal Hamzah, 40, was charged with accepting cash RM100,000 in bribes as an inducement to use his influence to obtain a tender six years ago. He claimed trial to the offence before Judge Rozina Ayob. (reference: https://www.nst.com.my/news/crime-courts/2024/06/1059578/hamzahs-son-cha...)
The charge sheet read that he had dishonestly accepted the bribes from Izmir Abd Hamid as an inducement for Heitech Padu Berhad to appoint Rimba Merpati Sdn Bhd and Syarikat Per My Solutions as marketing consultants because of his influence.
It was for the companies to be then paid a commission of RM700,000 after Heitech Padu Berhad was awarded a RM33 million "Supply, Rental, Implementation, Training, Support and Maintenance of Security Infrastructure" tender by the Companies Commission of Malaysia.
He committed the offence at an office in Publika Shopping Gallery, Jalan Dutamas 1 in March 2018.
The offence under Section 16(a)(A) of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Act 2009 is punishable under Section 24(1).
It carries a maximum 20-year jail term and a fine not less than five times the bribe sum; or RM10,000; whichever is higher.