A headmaster pleaded not guilty in the Sessions Court today to five counts of accepting RM32,400 in bribes over the supply of school co-curricular uniforms in 2008 and 2009.  

Zakaria Md Lazim, 54, of SK Tandop Besar, Kuala Nerang, near Alor Setar, claimed trial after the charges were read out to him before Judge Mohd Rosli Osman.  

On the first charge, Zakaria is alleged to have used his position to select ZNR Kuala Nerang Enterprise (ZNR) as the supplier of the Puteri Islam uniforms, worth RM3,300, where he is alleged to have an interest as the owner of ZNR is his sister, Ros Adimas Md Lazim.

On the second, third and fourth charges, Zakaria is alleged to have used his position to select ZNR as the supplier of Red Crescent uniforms worth RM6,300, cadet uniforms worth RM8,200 and scout uniforms worth RM8,700.  

The offences were allegedly committed at the school in November 2008.

On the fifth charge, Zakaria is alleged to have used his position to select ZNR as the supplier of the Red Crescent, scout, Puteri Islam and cadet uniforms worth RM5,900 at the school in September 2009.

Zakaria, charged under the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Act 2009, faces a maximum 20-year jail sentence and a fine of up to five times the quantum of the bribe, or RM10,000, whichever is higher, upon conviction.

The judge set bail at RM15,000 with one surety and fixed Dec 19 for mention.

- Bernama