Kedah MB’s ex‑political secretary ordered to enter defence in REE mining bribery case

Mohamad Hilmi Abdul Wahab arrives at the Sessions Court in Kuala Lumpur November 20, 2023. — Bernama pic

First Published: Thursday, 20 Aug 2026 8:28 PM MYT

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 20 — The Sessions Court today ordered Mohamad Hilmi Abdul Wahab, former political secretary to the Kedah Menteri Besar, to enter his defence on two charges of soliciting and accepting bribes in connection with rare earth element (REE) mining projects three years ago.

Judge Suzana Hussin made the ruling after finding that the prosecution had successfully established a prima facie case against Mohamad Hilmi, 53, at the close of its case.

“Having examined all the witness testimony and submissions of both parties, the court finds that the prosecution has established a prima facie case against the accused on all charges. Accordingly, the accused is ordered to enter his defence,” said Suzana.

The court then fixed four days, starting October 9, for the defence proceedings.

Deputy public prosecutor Natrah Fareha Rahmat appeared for the prosecution, while lawyer Syed Naqiuddin Shahab represented Mohamad Hilmi.

On November 20, 2023, Mohamad Hilmi pleaded not guilty to a charge of soliciting a cash bribe of RM250,000 from REE Mining Group Sdn Bhd director Liana Mamat @ Khalid, 43, through Syed Muhammad Syid Aluvi, 37.

The bribe was allegedly sought as an inducement for the accused, who was then political secretary to Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor, to assist the company in obtaining approval for its REE Mining Licence and Exploration Licence applications in Kedah.

The offence was allegedly committed at a premises in Sunway Kiara Hills, Taman Sri Hartamas, here, on July 4, 2023.

He also pleaded not guilty to a charge of accepting a cash bribe of RM150,000 from the same individual (Liana) for the same purpose, at a restaurant in Desa Sri Hartamas on July 11, 2023.

The charges are framed under Section 16(a)(A) of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2009, which provides for a maximum imprisonment term of 20 years and a fine of not less than five times the amount or value of the bribe, or RM10,000, whichever is higher, upon conviction. — Bernama