The Bandar Magistrate's Court yesterday heard the case which alleges a former senior policeman and a businessman of corrupt dealings and abuse of power.

Former Head of Major Crime Investigation Unit, Criminal Investigation Department, Royal Brunei Police Force Superintendent Haji Khairur Rijal bin Haji Abu Salim allegedly accepted 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.

The gratification was an 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.

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. No plea has yet been taken from Haji Khairur Rijal. Liew has denied the charges of offences. 

Defence counsel Roy Prabhakaran of Yusof Halim and Partners who represents Haji Khairur Rijal yesterday was granted legal access, attached with strict conditions which include supervised visits for one hour, to Haji Khairur Rijal who is detained under the Internal Security Act.

However, Prabhakaran raised issues that the conditions imposed prevented him from seeking proper instructions from his client.

DPP Aldila Salleh replied that Haji Khairur Rijal is a detainee under the Internal SecurityAct where any access would be subject to the Internal Security (Place and Detention) Rules.

The DPP also said the conditions imposed by the Director of the Internal Security Department are sanctioned by the law and should not be a cause for complaint.

Prabhakaran also pointed out that Liew remains unfairly remanded pending trial so long as the legal access matter is unresolved.

DPP Aldila replied that the High Court had already denied his application for Liew's release on bail and would have to wait in remand pending the trial.

Prabhakaran urged Chief Magistrate Muhammed Faisal bin Pehin Dato Kefli to exercise his powers to remit the matter to the High Court in order to determine a question of law as to whether the proceedings can be stayed in the circumstances.

Chief Magistrate Muhammed Faisal fixed February 4, 2017 to give his ruling on the application

Source:
@BRUDIRECT.COM

by BruDirect.com

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