Ahmad Hatta Kamaruzzaman, 50, who is also head of Aker Engineering Malaysia pleaded not guilty after the charge against him was read before Judge Izralizam Sanusi.

The accused, as an agent of Aker Solutions Group, was charged with intentionally submitting documents with the intent to deceive the oil and gas company three years ago.

According to the prosecution, the documents were submitted for the purpose of listing Aker Engineering Malaysia as a company that qualified for bumiputera status, when the accused knew that it was not true.

Hatta had cheated by concealing the truth on the share ownership of the company, in which its actual beneficiary was Aker Solutions Group.

The offence was allegedly committed here on Aug 7, 2018 under Section 417 of the Penal Code which provides for a jail term of up to five years or a fine or both, if found guilty.

The court then allowed the accused bail of RM20,000 in one surety and fixed July 30 for re-mention of the case.