A Sarawak government staffer faces 16 charges for power abuse and forgery involving RM189,200, with bail set at RM15,000.
KUCHING: An administrative assistant with a Sarawak government agency pleaded not guilty to 16 charges of power abuse and document forgery involving RM189,200.
William Bong, 58, allegedly committed the offences between June 2019 and January 2021 at the State Public Works Department office in Kuching.
He faces 13 charges under Section 23 of the MACC Act 2009, which carries a maximum 20-year prison term and fine.
The remaining three charges are under Section 471 of the Penal Code, punishable by up to two years imprisonment, a fine, or both.
According to charges, William used forged quotation documents and presented them to a local contractor company believed to be owned by a relative.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Yong Ann Nee led the prosecution alongside MACC officers Jawa Milu and Khairil Ammar Faisal.
Defence lawyer Francis Teron requested lower bail, citing his client’s RM4,900 monthly salary and family responsibilities.
Teron argued the accused has only 18 months until mandatory retirement and no reason to flee.
The prosecution described the proposed bail as reasonable given the charges and amount involved.
Judge Noor Hafizah Mohd Salim set bail at RM15,000 with two local sureties and scheduled case management for December 15. – Bernama
