The accused, Sidu Edin, pleaded not guilty after the charge was read to him before judge Jason Juga, reported Sinar Harian.

The accused allegedly solicited the payment in exchange for a fake RM1.5 million emergency repair project at SMK Terusan Sugut. The offence was allegedly committed at 8pm on March 26, 2019.

The charge was framed under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating, which carries a jail sentence of up to 10 years, whipping and a fine, upon conviction.

The court granted Sidu bail of RM15,000 with one surety and ordered him to report to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) office every two months.

He is also prohibited from harassing the prosecution witnesses and instructed to surrender his passport pending the conclusion of the case.

The prosecution was handled by MACC prosecuting officer Dzulkarnain Rousan Hasbi, while the accused was represented by lawyer Fadzri Azham Zainudin.

The court then set April 2 for re-mention of the case.