Pandan Umno chief Abdul Ghani Ismail shocked everyone in the Sessions Court here today when he fainted as the court interpreter was reading the bribery charges made against him.
He fell with a loud bang, his head hitting the dock. His wife rushed to his aid and by then Abdul Ghani started to regain consciousness.
It was learnt that Abdul Ghani, 43, was fasting today.
Judge Rozilah Salleh adjourned the proceedings briefly and the court resumed about half-an-hour later after Abdul Ghani informed the court that he was alright and could continue with his case.
Following which, the court interpreter continued with the reading of the charges.
Abd Ghani, who was represented by lawyer M. Athimulan, pleaded guilty to all eight amended bribery charges.
Earlier, Rozillah allowed an application by the prosecution, represented by deputy public prosecutor Roziza Sidek to amend eight of the nine charges, from obtaining to accepting bribes.
The eight amended charges, made under Section 10 (a) (aa) of the Anti-Corruption Act 1997, were for allegedly accepting bribes totalling RM169,323, while a member of the Ampang Jaya Municipal Council (MPAJ) and the MPAJ Tender Committee, from one Abdul Rahman Yaacob.
He was accused of accepting the bribes, ranging from RM10,189 and RM24,189 from Abdul Rahman at Restoran Islah Tomyam, Jalan 5/76B, Desa Pandan here and in front of Block E 15, Jalan 4/76B, Desa Pandan here between Aug 4 2006 and March 31, 2007. The bribes were for helping Abdul Rahman obtain tenders for providing solid waste collection services in the Taman Lembah Maju and Taman Kencana area, as well as cleaning services in Pandan Cahaya from MPAJ.
The first bribery charge, for corruptly obtaining bribe, also from Abdul Rahman, which was made under Section 11 (a) of the Anti Corruption Act, was not amended.
The court set this Wednesday for mention of the case for the defence team to inform the court if they intend to recall any witness.-Bernama
