A ministry’s former head of corporate communications has claimed trial in the sessions court to a charge of obtaining gratification in the sum of RM5,268 two years ago.
Nur Fazreen Kamal, 44, who led the corporate communications unit at the natural resources, environment and climate change ministry, pleaded not guilty to one main and one alternative charge before judge Suzana Hussin.
Fazreen is accused of obtaining gratification in the sum of RM5,268 from a representative of Tulip Event Exhibition Enterprise through an online transfer made on May 11, 2023.
The money is alleged to have been remitted by Tulip Event to a jewellery shop in part payment of a gold bracelet purchased by the accused.
The payment was said to have been a reward for helping Tulip Event obtain approval for the provision of the rental equipment worth RM49,950 for use at the Trenchless Asia 2023 exhibition held at KLCC.
The main offence was framed under Section 17(a) of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2009, punishable under Section 24(1) of the same Act.
If convicted, Fazreen faces up to 20 years in jail and a fine of not less than five times the amount of gratification involved.
The alternative charge brought against her related to the receipt of money, knowing that it had been paid in connection with her official duties. It was framed under Section 165 of the Penal Code and carries a penalty of up to two years’ imprisonment, a fine, or both.
Suzana granted bail of RM7,000 with one surety and ordered Fazreen to surrender her passport until the case is disposed of.
The court fixed Oct 2 for case mention.
Lawyer Marcus Lee represented the accused with deputy public prosecutor A Selvam prosecuting.
