KUCHING: A Sessions Court here yesterday sentenced an officer of the People’s Volunteer Corps (Rela) to a day in prison and a RM25,000 fine in default six months’ jail for abuse of power.
Zaini Azila, 48, who is Padawan District Rela officer pleaded guilty to using his position to commit graft by producing the application for Local Purchase Order (LPO) for catering funds for a Rela briefing session.
The offence was committed at the State Rela office on Dec 17, 2010.
The LPO amounting to RM4,910.40 was approved by Rela director on Dec 20, and given to supplier Hamidah Pari who is Zaini’s wife.
Zaini was convicted of a charge under Section 23 (1) Malaysia Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2009 which provides a maximum penalty of not more than 20 years’ imprisonment and a fine that is five times the value of the bribe or RM10,000, whichever is higher.
In November 2006, Zaini was appointed Rela civil defence assistant officer and one of his job scope was the administration and finances in Padawan District including application for approval of the LPO (by the director) to get funds for Rela activities. It was learnt that the Rela director had approved the LPO as he was not told the supplier was Zaini’s wife.
On Jan 4, a total of RM4,910.40 had been credited to the bank account of Zaini’s wife. A report was made against the accused and he was arrested on Jan 25.
Earlier in his mitigation, Zaini said he did not know using his wife’s name on the LPO was an offence.
“If I had known it was wrong, I would not have done it,” Zaini said in mitigation. He was not represented by any defence counsel.
He appealed for a lenient sentence as he is the sole breadwinner for his family with children still schooling.
Zaini settled the fine yesterday.
Judge Ahmad Azhari Abdul Hamid presided over the case while Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission officer Othman Anyan prosecuted.