KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 15 — Former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s former special officer, Datuk Rizal Mansor, was charged in the Sessions Court here today with four counts of soliciting and accepting bribes, involving RM5.5 million, for himself and Najib’s wife, over the supply and installation of solar energy to rural schools in Sarawak.
However, Rizal, 44, pleaded not guilty to all the charges which were read out separately before judge Rozina Ayob.
On the first charge, Rizal was accused of soliciting RM187,500,000, which was 15 per cent of the value of the contract for the project, from Jepak Holdings Sdn Bhd managing director Saidi Abang Samsudin, for Rosmah.
It was as an inducement for Rosmah to help the company (Jepak Holdings) to secure the Hybrid Photovoltaic Solar System Integrated Project and Maintenance and Operation of Genset/Diesel for 369 rural schools in Sarawak, worth RM1.25 billion through direct negotiation from the Education Ministry.
On the second charge, Rizal was charged with soliciting RM25,000,000 from Saidi for himself as an inducement for him to ensure Rosmah would do the necessary to secure the project for Jepak Holdings.
Both the offences were allegedly committed at Lygon Cafe’, G-24, Ground Floor, Sunway Putra Mall, 100, Jalan Putra, Chow Kit, near here between March and April 2016.
Rizal was also charged with receiving RM5,000,000 from Saidi, on behalf of Rosmah, as gratification for Rosmah in helping Jepak Holdings to secure the project at the lobby of Pavilion REIT Management Sdn. Bhd, 168, Pavilion, Jalan Bukit Bintang near on Dec 20, 2016.
On the fourth count, he was charged with accepting RM500,000 for himself as gratification for himself in ensuring that Rosmah helped Jepak Holdings to secure the project.
The offence was committed at No. 1, Laman Damai Sari, Jalan 1/61, Bukit Segambut, near here on December 23, 2016.
The charge was framed under Section 16(a)(A) of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Act which provides an imprisonment for up to 20 years and fine of not less than five times the amount of value of the gratification, or RM10,000, whichever is higher, if found guilty. — Bernama
