Former Johor Bahru Mayor Faces 12 Bribery Charges Totaling RM1.55 Million

Datuk Adib Azhari Daud, 64, the former mayor of the Johor Bahru City Council (MBJB), has been charged with 12 counts of receiving bribes amounting to RM1.55 million between 2020 and 2021. The charges were read out in a Johor Bahru Sessions Court, where Adib Azhari pleaded not guilty.

The allegations against Adib Azhari Daud involve accepting bribes ranging from RM10,000 to RM250,000 from two individuals through an intermediary. The bribes were allegedly given as rewards for securing various construction projects in the MBJB area. These projects included annual maintenance of mechanical and electrical pump systems for flood control, replacement of sewer pipes, maintenance of centralized sewer systems, repair of collapsed embankments, and other public works.

The offenses are said to have taken place between June 26, 2020, and August 6, 2021, at Jalan Serama 7, Larkin, Johor Bahru. Adib Azhari was charged under Section 16(a)(B) of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Act 2009. If convicted, he faces up to 20 years in prison and a fine of five times the amount of the bribe or RM10,000, whichever is higher.

Why this matters: The charges against Adib Azhari Daud highlight significant concerns about corruption within the public sector, particularly regarding the allocation of public works projects. The outcome of this case could have broader implications for the enforcement of anti-corruption laws in Malaysia.

In the court proceedings, the prosecution was led by MACC deputy public prosecutor Natrah Fareha Rahmat, while Adib Azhari was represented by counsel Azrul Zulkifli Stork. The court set bail at RM120,000 with two local sureties, payable in two installments. Additional conditions included surrendering his passport to the court, reporting to the nearest MACC office monthly, and refraining from contacting any witnesses.

The case is scheduled for further mention on July 3 to facilitate the submission of documents. Adib Azhari was arrested at the MACC branch in Kluang prior to the court hearing.

The charges against Adib Azhari Daud highlight significant concerns about corruption within the public sector, particularly regarding the allocation of public works projects. The outcome of this case could have broader implications for the enforcement of anti-corruption laws in Malaysia.

Key Takeaways

• Datuk Adib Azhari Daud, former JB mayor, charged with 12 counts of receiving bribes totaling RM1.55m.
• Bribes allegedly given for securing construction projects in MBJB area between 2020 and 2021.
• Adib Azhari pleaded not guilty and faces up to 20 years in prison and a fine if convicted.
• Case highlights concerns about corruption in public sector, particularly in allocation of public works projects.
• Next court mention scheduled for July 3 to facilitate document submission.