SANDAKAN: Former Elopura Community Development Officer Herman Idris claimed trial in the Special Corruption Court here on Friday to two charges of abusing his position to nominate relatives for a government housing assistance programme, despite them being ineligible.
The 52-year-old accused entered the plea after the charges were read before Judge Elsie Primus.
The accused is alleged to have committed the offence on Sept 26, 2022, at 2.30pm at the Libaran Conference Hall in the Sandakan Municipal Council building.
According to the charges, Herman, who was then the Elopura Community Development Officer (CDO), used his official position during a district focus group meeting at Sandakan Municipal Council. He is accused of recommending two of his relatives as recipients of the Rumah Mesra Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) programme, even though they did not meet the eligibility criteria. Each housing unit was valued at RM70,000.
As a result of his actions, and due to his direct interest in the matter stemming from the familial relationship, both individuals were subsequently selected to receive the assistance.
The charges were framed under Section 23(1) of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Act 2009, which deals with abuse of position for personal gain or for the gain of relatives. An offence under this section is punishable under Section 24(1) of the same Act, which carries a jail term of up to 20 years and a fine of no less than five times the value of the gratification involved, or RM10,000, whichever is higher.
During the proceedings, MACC prosecuting officer Dzulkarnain Rousan Hasbi proposed bail be set at RM15,000 with one local surety for both charges. He also requested that the accused surrender his international passport, report to the nearest MACC office once every two months, and not interfere with any prosecution witnesses.
However, the accused’s lawyer, Sharatha Masyaroh John Ridwan Lincon, appealed for a lower bail amount, arguing that her client is the sole breadwinner for his wife, four children, and his elderly mother and mother-in-law.
Judge Elsie granted bail at RM15,000, requiring a deposit of RM6,000 with one local surety. The court also imposed the ancillary conditions requested by the prosecution. The court has set April 2 for pre-trial case management. – James Leong
Herman Idris is being escorted by SPRM officers at the Sandakan Courthouse.
