According to the charge sheet, Azman Idris, 55, was charged with cheating Chin Yet Lun, 37, over a non-existent logging business, with the victim having deposited over RM171,500 into two bank accounts belonging to the accused.

The money was deposited into accounts in OCBC Bank and Standard Chartered Bank, respectively, in Batu Melintang, here between Sept 27 and Dec 10, 2021.

Azman was charged under Section 420 of the Penal Code, which provides for up to 10 years in jail and a fine if convicted.

Deputy public prosecutor Nur Kamilah Che Ibrahim prosecuted while the accused was unrepresented.

Earlier, Nur Kamilah asked the court to offer bail of RM30,000 with one surety and the additional condition that the accused’s passport be handed over to the court.

However, Azman pleaded for a lower bail because his income is uncertain and he has to support a wife and four children.

Magistrate Nik Habri Muhamad then allowed bail of RM15,000, and ordered the accused to hand over his passport.

He also set Dec 31 for next mention.

In the five-cornered contest in GE15, the Kuala Pilah seat was secured by Adnan Abu Hassan of Barisan Nasional. Azman only managed to garner 333 votes and lost his deposit.