Penang National Unity and Integration Department director was charged at the Sessions Court in Butterworth today with using his position for the benefit of himself to grant a project worth RM45,472 to a company belonging to his son, four years ago.

Mohd Saidi Midin, 59, however, pleaded not guilty when the charge was read out before judge Ahmad Azhari Abdul Hamid.

According to the charge sheet, Saidi was accused of using his position as Penang National Unity and Integration Department director of Grade 52 to give the Edu Kids system supply project worth RM45,472 to Syarikat Thekiey Studio owned by his son, Mohd Al-Azhim Mohd Saidi.

The father of four was alleged to have committed the offence at the department's office on Aras 5 Bangunan Persekutuan, Jalan Anson, George Town, between March and December 2016.

The charge, under Section 23(1) of the Malaysian Anti Corruption (MACC) Act 2009, carries a maximum jail term of 20 years and fine five times the amount of the bribe or RM10,000, whichever is higher.

Meanwhile, Al-Azhim, 28, also pleaded not guilty at the same court to the charge of abetting his father in getting the said project.

He was charged under Section 28(1)(c) of the same Act, which also carries the same punishment.

Judge Ahmad Azhari allowed the two men bail of RM15,000 each with one surety and ordered Saidi to surrender his passport to the court, while Al-Azhim to report to MACC office once a month pending trial.

Feb 25 was set for re-mention.

MACC deputy public prosectors S Selvaranjini and Mohamad Azlan Basri prosecuted, while lawyer Muhamad Asri Abdul Hamid represented both the accused.

- Bernama