GEORGE TOWN: Datuk Dr Shaik Hussein Mydin, who claimed trial to 15 corruption charges involving bribes totalling RM847,107.61 linked to a hostel construction project, is ready to clear his name in court.
Speaking to reporters after posting RM300,000 bail, Shaik said he was prepared to defend himself after being charged with 15 counts of corruption linked to an open-tender project.
He said he had been waiting for the charges to be brought so he could defend himself through the judicial process, expressing confidence that the allegations could be addressed in court.
"I actually wanted to be charged because I would rather face the charges and prove my innocence than remain uncertain about what was happening," he said.
Shaik said he had posted bail and expected the case to proceed next year. He stressed that the case did not concern land matters involving the Penang Regional Development Authority (Perda), for which he was recently remanded, but an open-tender project.
He said the authority to approve open tenders rested with the relevant ministry, not the Perda chairman, a position he currently holds.
He added that he believed the case involved technical issues concerning the division of powers and responsibilities.
"I am confident in the court process. I believe these matters can be resolved properly, and I am confident I can explain the technicalities," he said.
Shaik also questioned the transactions cited in the charges, referring to amounts including RM45.51 and RM299.04, and said he found some of the figures puzzling.
Asked whether the prosecution was politically motivated, Shaik described the situation as possible political intimidation. He noted that he received the charge letter a day before he was charged and that bail had been set at RM1 million.
However, he said he was not accusing any particular party and believed the public would make its own assessment.
Shaik is a member of Umno's supreme council and the party's state deputy chairman.
He also referred to two other Umno supreme council members who had previously been charged, saying the developments were notable among party leaders in the northern region.
He maintained that he would rely on the court process to address the allegations against him.
Earlier today, Shaik was charged at the Sessions Court with 15 corruption charges involving bribes totalling RM847,107.61 linked to a hostel construction project.
Shaik, 53, claimed trial to all 15 charges before judge Irwan Suainbon.
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