Corruption in Malaysia: Two Friends Charged with Bribery in National Registration Department
Introduction
In a move to combat corruption in Malaysia, two friends, Yap Foo Siong and Ang Lay Peng, were charged in the Kuala Lumpur sessions court for allegedly offering a RM17,000 bribe to a staff of the national registration department (JPN) to facilitate a birth certificate application using falsified supporting documents.
The Alleged Offense
According to the charge, the duo bribed a JPN staff in Putrajaya with cash in exchange for facilitating a birth certificate application using fraudulent documents, namely the JPN.LM01 birth registration form and a maternity confirmation letter. The alleged offense took place at a fast food restaurant in Precinct 2, Putrajaya, at 9:50 am on March 11.
The Charges
The charge was framed under Section 17(b) of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2009, read together with Section 34 of the Penal Code. If convicted, the duo could face a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine of five times the amount of the bribe or RM10,000, whichever is higher.
The Bail Hearing
Selangor MACC prosecuting officer Arif Asyraf Khairi proposed bail of RM90,000 for each accused, with additional conditions requiring them to surrender their passports to the court, report to the MACC office monthly, and refrain from contacting prosecution witnesses. However, lawyer Ethan Tan, representing both accused, requested a lower bail of RM2,000, citing their financial burdens.
The Accused’s Background
Lawyer Ethan Tan highlighted the financial burdens of the accused, stating that Yap, a labourer, is married with two children, aged 10 and 15, and one of them is scheduled for spinal surgery, which will cost RM70,000. Ang, a food vendor, is a single mother with two school-going children and is also supporting her mother, who recently underwent heart surgery.
The Court’s Ruling
Judge Suzana Hussin granted bail at RM10,000 with one surety for each of the accused, along with the additional conditions requested by the prosecution. The case will be up for mention on April 22.
Conclusion
The case highlights the ongoing issue of corruption in Malaysia and the importance of the government’s efforts to combat it. The punishments for corruption are severe, and those found guilty can face hefty fines and imprisonment. The court’s decision to grant bail to the accused will be closely monitored, and their fate will be decided on April 22.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the alleged offense?
A: The duo allegedly offered a RM17,000 bribe to a JPN staff to facilitate a birth certificate application using falsified supporting documents.
Q: What is the penalty for the alleged offense?
A: The duo could face a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine of five times the amount of the bribe or RM10,000, whichever is higher.
Q: What is the next step in the case?
A: The case will be up for mention on April 22.