KOTA KINABALU: A businessman pleaded not guilty at the Special Corruption Sessions Court today to three counts of cheating over alleged acquisition of a “Dato'” title.
Datuk Ling How Ee, 40, entered the plea after the charges were read in Mandarin before Sessions Court Judge Jason Juga.
Ling was accused of deceiving Dennis Chong and inducing him (Chong) to transfer RM2,500, RM500 and RM3,000 into the accused’s account,
The money was allegedly for the purchase of gold accessories for ceremonial attire, for the accused to assist in obtaining a honorary title carrying the title “Dato'” from Pahang despite having no authority to do so.
The offences were allegedly committed on April 19, 2023, April 20, 2023, and May 17, 2023 at the HSBC Bank branch in Kota Kinabalu.
The accused was charged under Section 420 of the Penal Code, which provides for imprisonment of not less than one year and not more than ten years, whipping, and a fine upon conviction.
The court fixed Sept 3, for pre-trial case management.
The accused was granted bail of RM10,000 with one surety.
The court also ordered that the accused report to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) office once every two months, surrender his passport to the court. He is also prohibited from approaching or interfering with prosecution witnesses throughout the duration of the case.
The prosecution was led by MACC’s Nurul Izzati Sapifee while Ling was represented by Ngui Kuang Kee @ George Ngui.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
