Bangi:Sessions Court A former director at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) has pleaded not guilty to two charges of abuse of power involving employment contracts worth RM3.12 million. Datuk Prof Muhammad Hussin, 64, appeared before Judge Datuk Mohd Nasir Nordin to enter his plea.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the charges allege that Muhammad, as a member of Koperasi Siswazah Bangi Berhad (KSBB), improperly secured contracts valued at RM1.2 million and RM1.92 million. These contracts were related to the management of the Master of Education programme at UKM's Faculty of Education. It is claimed that Muhammad influenced KSBB board members to appoint QTech Management Malaysia Sdn Bhd, a company in which he allegedly had an interest, as the programme operator.

The offenses are said to have occurred on February 26 and June 25, 2022, at Kolej Keris Mas, UKM, and Hotel Tenera in Bangi. The charges fall under Section 23(1) of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2009, which could result in a prison sentence of up to 20 years and a significant fine if convicted.

During the court proceedings, MACC deputy public prosecutor Muaz Ahmad Khairuddin requested bail to be set at RM300,000. The conditions proposed included reporting to the MACC office, surrendering his passport, and avoiding interference with prosecution witnesses. However, the defense, represented by Muhammad Wafi Anwar Roslan, sought a lower bail of RM50,000. He cited Muhammad's financial constraints, medical conditions, and family obligations, including two wives and nine children, as reasons for the request.

The court decided on a bail amount of RM80,000, requiring Muhammad to surrender his passport and refrain from influencing witnesses. The case is scheduled for mention on November 12.