SHAH ALAM: The Sessions Court here has handed down the maximum sentence of a RM10,000 fine on businessman Zaidi Kanapiah (pic), also known as “Datuk Addy Kana”, for failing to report an attempt by an enforcement officer to solicit a bribe from him three years ago.
Judge Rozilah Salleh also ordered Zaidi, 38, to be jailed for four months if he is unable to pay the fine.
According to the charge, Zaidi, without reasonable excuse, did not report to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) or police about the request for a cash bribe some time in July 2019 at a hotel in Puchong.
The offence under Section 25(3) of the MACC Act is punishable under Section 25(4) of the same Act with a maximum penalty of a RM10,000 fine, two years in jail or both, upon conviction.According to the facts of the case, the accused – an employee of a businessman conducting business with elements of immoral activities and gambling – had met with an officer of an enforcement body at a hotel in Puchong some time in July 2019.
The enforcement officer had demanded a bribe of RM110,000 each month so that no action would be taken against Zaidi’s employer.
Zaidi, however, did not report the matter to MACC or the police.
In mitigation, lawyer Effa Azuin Aidrul Hisham urged the court to impose a fine and said her client was willing to pay it.
“The accused has a wife who is still in confinement after giving birth to her fifth child and is also taking care of his 74-year-old father. He is also repentant and promises not to repeat it. His guilty plea also saves cost and time for all parties,” said Effa Azuin.
However, MACC deputy public prosecutor Fadhli Ab Wahab requested that a deterrent sentence be imposed in the public interest.
“The accused should know better – if there is any request for a bribe, it should be reported to the authorities,” he said.
Before sentencing, Rozilah advised Zaidi that not reporting graft is a serious offence and reporting it could help prevent corruption. — Bernama