KUALA LUMPUR (Jan 27): The chief operating officer (COO) of Projek Lintasan Kota Holdings Sdn Bhd (Prolintas), Rostam Sharif Tami, has pleaded not guilty to a bribery charge involving RM70,000.
Rostam, 59, who is currently on garden leave, was accused of accepting the bribe on April 12, 2023, from Satunas Technology Sdn Bhd in exchange for approving work packages related to the Sungai Besi-Ulu Kelang Elevated Expressway (Suke) project.
The payment was a reward for his role in approving projects for the highway concessionaire, including for the construction and installation of expansion joints and other related works under Package CA3 of the highway project.
Rostam claimed trial after the charge, framed under Section 16(a)(A) of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Act 200 for soliciting or accepting gratification, was read out to him in court before Justice Rosli Ahmad.
If convicted, he faces up to 20 years' imprisonment and a fine of no less than five times the amount of the bribe or RM10,000, whichever is higher.
The judge then set bail at RM60,000, with two sureties. Rostam is required to surrender his passport to the court and report to the nearest MACC office on the first week of every month.
He was represented by lawyer Tan Sri Dzulkifli Ahmad, while deputy public prosecutor Nor Diana Nor Azwa acted for the prosecution.