Madani Sahari, who used to lead the Malaysia Automotive, Robotics and Internet of Things Institute (MARii), was accused of receiving the said sum from one Khow Chuen Wah to assist Syarikat Aspire Knowledge Sdn Bhd in obtaining the letter of award for a RM12 million project.

The alleged offence took place on July 8, 2021 at Seksyen 15 here.

MARii is an agency under the investment, trade and industry ministry (Miti).

Madani was charged under Section 16(a)(A) of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Act, which provides for up to 20 years’ jail and a fine no less than five times the alleged sum, upon conviction.

Judge Rozilah Salleh granted bail of RM300,000 in one surety. She also ordered Madani to surrender his passport pending disposal of his case.

The court fixed June 8 for case management.

Deputy public prosecutor Law Chin How told the court the prosecution will file more charges against Madani in the Kuala Lumpur and Alor Setar sessions courts later.

Madani was represented by lawyers Rahmat Hazlan, Wan Aizuddin Wan Mohamed and Rahmat Abu Bakar.

It has not been reported when Madani left his post as MARii CEO. However, Azrul Reza Aziz took over the position on April 10.

Madani had been MARii CEO since April 2010.

It was reported that MACC had arrested 10 people last year to assist investigations into a project under MARii.

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