Former Telecom Director Denies False Statement Charges in 14-Year-Old Case

A 73-year-old former telecommunications company director pleaded not guilty in Kuala Lumpur’s Sessions Court on Saturday to charges of submitting false statements related to independent consulting engineer (ICE) services in a case dating back 14 years.

Wong Chee Keong, a government retiree, faces allegations of submitting a declaration form containing false particulars to an assistant manager in the Technical Services Division at Bank Pembangunan Malaysia Berhad on September 13, 2012. Prosecutors claim the submission was intended to mislead his principal.

The alleged offense took place at Menara Bank Pembangunan in Bandar Wawasan, Kuala Lumpur. Wong has been charged under Section 18 of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Act 2009, which carries severe penalties upon conviction. If found guilty, he could face up to 20 years in prison and a fine of not less than five times the value of the bribe or RM10,000, whichever is higher.

During the court proceedings, Deputy Public Prosecutor Vivien Yeap Jie Xi requested bail be set at RM20,000 with two Malaysian sureties. The prosecution also sought additional conditions, including the surrender of Wong’s passport and monthly reporting to the MACC office.

The case highlights ongoing anti-corruption efforts in Malaysia’s telecommunications and banking sectors, where transparency in consulting services remains a priority for regulatory bodies. Bank Pembangunan Malaysia Berhad, a development financial institution, plays a significant role in financing major infrastructure and industrial projects in the country, making integrity in its operations particularly important.

Defense counsel Muhammad Hafizuddin Salehuddin did not contest the bail amount but requested that his client retain his passport. He explained that Wong currently resides in Melbourne, Australia, with his 76-year-old wife, who suffers from numerous serious health conditions, including chronic spinal illness, nerve problems in both legs, severe sleep disorder, kidney issues, cataracts, and diabetes.

The defense argued that Wong is not a flight risk, emphasizing his full cooperation with the MACC throughout the investigation process. This cooperation, according to Hafizuddin, demonstrates Wong’s commitment to clearing his name through proper legal channels.

Prosecutors countered this argument by pointing out that Wong’s status as a permanent resident of Australia inherently makes him a flight risk. They maintained that surrendering his passport would not unduly restrict his freedom, as he could apply for temporary travel permissions if necessary for family matters.

After considering both arguments, Judge Mohd Kafli Che Ali granted bail at the requested amount of RM20,000 with two Malaysian sureties. In a partial victory for the defense, the court allowed Wong to retain his passport but ordered him to report to the MACC office once every two months instead of monthly as initially proposed by prosecutors.

The case has drawn attention within Malaysia’s business community, particularly among government-linked companies and financial institutions where compliance with anti-corruption measures has become increasingly stringent in recent years. It also underscores the MACC’s willingness to pursue cases even after significant time has elapsed since the alleged offenses.

The court has scheduled June 29 for the next mention of the case, at which point further proceedings will be determined. As the case moves forward, it will likely shed light on contracting practices within Malaysia’s telecommunications sector and the oversight mechanisms employed by development banks in the country.