Businessman in KK cleared of corruption charges over RM90,000 inducements

KOTA KINABALU (Feb 4): The High Court here upheld the acquittal of a businessman who was charged with corruptly receiving RM90,000 as inducements to pay a company’s debts 12 years ago.

Judicial Commissioner Ratanah Devi Yusof Perumal made the ruling after dismissing an appeal by the prosecution to set aside the Sessions Court’s decision to acquit and discharge Kong Yin Siong, 57.

On July 15, 2022, Kong was freed by the lower court after he was called to answer the three charges against him.

On the first to third counts, Kong was accused of receiving a cheque for RM50,000 and two more worth RM20,000 each from three persons, respectively, through another individual, to pay the company’s debts to three other companies.

The alleged offences took place at the company’s office in Keningau between August and September 2014.

The charges were framed under Section 16(a)(A) of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Act 2009, which provides for up to 20 years’ imprisonment and a fine of up to five times the bribe amount or RM10,000, whichever is higher, upon conviction.

The prosecution had produced 25 witnesses to testify against Kong, while he was the sole defence witness.

Representing Kong at the High Court was lawyer Dominic Chew Ban Huat.