Tourism Malaysia chief faces trial in February
KUALA LUMPUR: As reported by TravelMole yesterday, Tourism Malaysia director-general Mirza Mohammad Taiyab has been charged for having a RM13,860 (US$4,170) dental implant treatment allegedly sponsored by a company director whose firm does overseas advertising for the board.
Mirza, who has pleaded not guilty and elected for trail in February next year, is alleged to have received the sponsorship from Zulhisyam Ayob, 48, who is the director of Perunding Pakar Media. Mirza’s elder brother is also a partner in the consultancy firm.
The 50-year-old accused, who was then Malaysian Tourism Promotion Board’s deputy director-general I, was said to have sought the treatment via a cheque issued to him.
An Anti-Corruption Agency’s investigation unit official lodged the complaint against him on May 6, The Star newspaper reported.
When his case was called yesterday, a pensive-looking Mirza was escorted by ACA officers before he entered the dock.
He listened attentively to the content of his charge as a court interpreter read it to him.
Mirza, who was picked up from his Putrajaya house at about 7am yesterday, immediately recorded his not guilty plea.
His lawyer asked the court, in fixing bail, to consider the fact that his client had worked with the tourism board for 23 years.
“Since the investigation started in April, the accused had given 110 percent co-operation to each ACA officer who handled the case.â€
Manmohan said his client, who is married with three children, should be released on a personal bond without a surety pending his trial.
Sessions Court judge Fathiyah Idris set bail at RM5,000 (US$1,500) in one surety and three days from Feb 16 for hearing. Mirza posted bail.
Ian Jarrett
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