Hanafiah, who oversees the state’s infrastructure, utilities and rural development portfolio, pleaded not guilty after the charges were read to him before judge Azman Mustapha, BuletinTV3 reported.

He allegedly abused his position as an executive councillor and chairman of a company’s board of directors by directing that his two children be appointed to positions in two state government-owned subsidiaries.

The first charge accused the Cukai assemblyman of using his position as an exco and chairman of Pangkalan Bekalan Kemaman Sdn Bhd to obtain gratification in connection with his son Najmi Hanafiah.

The offence was allegedly committed on Aug 15, 2020.

Hanafiah was also accused of committing the same offence in obtaining gratification for another son, Ahmad Kamil Hanafiah, on June 18, 2020.

Both offences were allegedly committed at EPIC Bhd’s office at Level 2, Annexe Building, Pangkalan Bekalan Kemaman, Teluk Kalong, Kemaman.

The charges were framed under Section 23(1) of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Act 2009 and are punishable under Section 24(1) of the same Act.

Deputy public prosecutor Rabiatul Addawiah Noorlee from MACC sought bail of RM50,000 for Hanafiah.

However, the court fixed bail at RM30,000 with one surety and ordered Hanafiah to report to the MACC office once a month until the case concludes.

The court also set April 12 for the next case management.

Hanafiah was represented by lawyer Fadly Hashim.