Judge Suzana Hussin confirmed the dates after deputy public prosecutor Mahadi Abdul Jumaat informed the court that both the prosecution and defence teams had agreed to the schedule.

The dates are set for Sept 10-11, Oct 29-30, Nov 6-7, Dec 4-5 and 9-12, 2024, and Jan 7-9, 2025.

Fifteen prosecution witnesses will testify against Hamid, who is represented by lawyer Weera Premananda.

Hamid, 50, is accused of offering a bribe through Tan Ser Lay, 60, as an inducement for Annuar to expedite the contract for the KL Tower concession in his company’s favour.

The offence allegedly occurred at the former communications and multimedia ministry in Putrajaya between July and August 2022.

He is charged under Section 16(6)(B) of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Act 2009, which carries a penalty of up to 20 years in prison and a fine of either five times the value of the bribe or RM10,000, whichever is higher, upon conviction.

Hydroshoppe is also charged under Section 17A(1)(a) of the MACC Act 2009 as a commercial organisation with jointly offering the bribe to Tan for Annuar’s benefit, at the same location and dates.

This charge is punishable by up to 20 years in prison, a fine, or both upon conviction. In this case, the fine would be at least 10 times the value of the bribe or RM1 million, whichever is higher.