KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 1 — A company director pleaded not guilty at the Sessions Court today to a charge of soliciting a RM5 million cash bribe from an individual.
P. Kuhan Arunasalam, 39, was accused of requesting the sum as an inducement to ensure the Securities Commission Malaysia would refrain from taking legal action against trust and wealth management company UBB Amanah Berhad.
The offence is alleged to have been committed at a restaurant on Jalan Bangkung, Bangsar, on July 2, 2024.
He was charged under Section 16(a)(A) of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Act 2009, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years imprisonment and a fine of not less than five times the value of the bribe or RM10,000, whichever is higher, upon conviction.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Selvam T. Armugom proposed bail of RM20,000 with one surety, along with additional conditions requiring the accused to surrender his passport, report monthly to the MACC, and refrain from intimidating prosecution witnesses pending the disposal of the case.
Kuhan's counsel Wan Shahrizal Wan Ladin did not object and informed the court that his client was prepared to accept any additional conditions imposed.
Sessions Court Judge Suzana Hussin granted bail of RM20,000 with one surety, imposing the prosecution’s additional conditions, and fixed the case mention for November 6.
