Kuala lumpur: The Sessions Court today ordered Mohamad Hilmi Abdul Wahab, former political secretary to the Kedah Menteri Besar, to enter his defence on two charges of soliciting and accepting bribes in connection with rare earth element (REE) mining projects three years ago. Judge Suzana Hussin made the ruling after finding that the prosecution had successfully established a prima facie case against Mohamad Hilmi, 53, at the close of its case.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the court, after examining all witness testimony and submissions from both parties, determined that the prosecution had established a prima facie case against the accused on all charges. The judge subsequently ordered the accused to enter his defence. The court has scheduled four days for the defence proceedings, starting from October 9.

Deputy public prosecutor Natrah Fareha Rahmat represented the prosecution, while lawyer Syed Naqiuddin Shahab defended Mohamad Hilmi. On November 20, 2023, Mohamad Hilmi pleaded not guilty to a charge of soliciting a cash bribe of RM250,000 from REE Mining Group Sdn Bhd director Liana Mamat @ Khalid, 43, through Syed Muhammad Syid Aluvi, 37. The bribe was allegedly sought to assist the company in obtaining approval for its REE Mining Licence and Exploration Licence applications in Kedah.

The alleged offence took place at a premises in Sunway Kiara Hills, Taman Sri Hartamas, on July 4, 2023. Mohamad Hilmi also pleaded not guilty to accepting a cash bribe of RM150,000 from Liana for the same purpose at a restaurant in Desa Sri Hartamas on July 11, 2023.

The charges are framed under Section 16(a)(A) of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2009. This section provides for a maximum imprisonment term of 20 years and a fine of not less than five times the amount or value of the bribe, or RM10,000, whichever is higher, upon conviction.