PUTRAJAYA: A police lans koperal and a mechanic began their prison sentences on Monday (Oct 7) after the Court of Appeal upheld their convictions for accepting a RM300 bribe from a Muslim couple found in close proximity inside a car 10 years ago.
Muhamad Faisal Ahmad Gapur, 39, will serve a two-year prison sentence, while Muhammad Azizul Hakim Hasnan, 33, will serve one year.
A three-member bench consisting Court of Appeal judges Justices Datuk Ahmad Zaidi Ibrahim, Datuk Mohamed Zaini Mazlan and High Court judge Justice Datuk Ahmad Fairuz Zainol Abidin also upheld the RM10,000 fine, in default six months’ imprisonment, imposed on both men by the Sessions Court.
Justice Ahmad issued a committal warrant for both men to start their prison sentence from Monday. They were on RM10,000 bail with one surety pending the outcome of their appeal.
In dismissing the appeals against their conviction and sentences, Justice Ahmad Zaidi said there was overwhelming evidence to prove the charge under Section 16 (a) (B) of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Act 2009.
He said there were no significant inconsistencies in the testimonies of three prosecution witnesses that would tarnish the prosecution case.
He also said the court found the prison sentence imposed by the Sessions Court on the lenient side and not manifestly excessive.
He said the Sessions Court did not err in imposing different sentences given that Faisal is a public servant while Azizul is not.
On June 10, 2022 both men were found guilty by the Sessions Court of the offence, which they committed at Perindustrian Taman Farmaseutikal, Bandar Seri Iskandar, Perak at 7.10pm on March 20, 2014.
The money was given as an inducement to not take action against the couple for allegedly being in close proximity inside a car.
The High Court dismissed their appeals on Sept 26 last year, leading them to appeal to the Court of Appeal.
Chris Kooi Wei Kit represented Faisal, while M. Saravanan acted for Azizul.
The prosecution was led by DPPs Farah Ezlin Yusop Khan, Mohd ‘Afif Ali, Wirna Rifin@Arifin and Nurul Qistini Kamarul Abrar. – Bernama
