Prosecutors yesterday charged a former senior policeman who is in detention under the Internal Security Act with corruption and graft.

DPP Christopher Ng charged Haji Khairul Rijal in the Magistrate's Court with accepting a pick-up vehicle as gratification from Liew Say Koo, Managing Director of Say Koo (Liew) Sdn Bhd and L&E Contractor, sometime in 2012, as an inducement for assisting Liew, who was expelled from Brunei and became a prohibited immigrant as of November 17, 2007, to repeatedly enter and exit Brunei between 2011 and 2013.

The defendant is accused of making applications on behalf of the Commissioner of the Royal Brunei Police Force and the Director of the Criminal Investigation Department to the Controller of Immigration and National Registration Department stating that Liew was needed to assist in police investigations.

Back in 2006, Liew Say Koo was charged with the murder of his third wife at a hotel room over a scuffle. He later pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of manslaughter which landed him a two-year jail sentence, and thus, was expelled and barred from entering the country.

This offence carries a penalty of seven years' imprisonment and a fine of $30,000.

The second charge alleges him of abusing his powers and obtaining the pick-up vehicle from Liew who was also well aware of the defendant's official duties as an officer.

The offence carries a penalty of up to seven years' imprisonment and a fine.

Defence Counsel Roy Prabhakaran of Yusof Halim and Partners represented Haji Khairul Rijal.

Chief Magistrate Muhammed Faisal bin Pehin Dato Kefli fixed the case for further mention onJanuary 24, 2017.

Liew, who has denied the charges of offences he allegedly committed in conjugation with Haji Khairul Rijal, was produced in court yesterday. The trial dates in  case are yet to be fixed.

Haji Khairul Rijal was charged with the same offences in 2015, but later the prosecution entered a 'none prosequi' and he was discharged not amounting to an acquittal by the court in the same year.

This was also when the Internal Security Department (ISD) intervened and detained Haji Khairul Rijal.

The Internal Security Department holds information that Superintendent Haji Khairul Rijal bin Haji Abu Salim, former Police Head of the Major Crime Investigation Unit at the Criminal Investigation Department, had involvement with crime syndicates that carried out prostitution and gambling activities as well as the supply of alcoholic drinks locally and overseas.

He is also believed to have provided shelter and leaked information on operations to these criminal groups.

ISD has also alleged that Haji Khairur Rijal abused his power in the control and directions of criminal activities. The ISD revealed that the senior police officer risked the safety of the public including national security.

Source:
@BRUDIRECT.COM

by BruDirect.com

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