Senior Magistrate Azrimah Abdul Rahman handed down a three-year prison sentence Monday to Seruji bin Haji Setia, a former Senior Chief Immigration Officer, following his conviction on five counts of graft. The defendant was found guilty on October 12 after a trial revealed he had received valuable items and cash from business associates on multiple occasions, in violation of Section 165 of the Penal Code, Chapter 22.
Investigations led by the Anti-Corruption Bureau uncovered that Seruji had accepted items such as carpets, sofa cushion covers, car seat covers, and BND100 cash from business owners, including the Managing Director of Daiecharm Deco Sdn Bhd and the Manager of BT Employment Agency. Deputy Public Prosecutors Hajah Rozaimah binti Haji Abd Rahman, Ahmad Firdaus bin Mohammad and Radin Wafri Radin Sufri represented the prosecution, while the defendant was represented by Ahmad Basuni Abas from Abraham, Davidson & Co.
In her sentencing, Senior Magistrate Azrimah emphasised the significant breach of public trust, stating that corruption by public servants undermines governance and erodes public confidence. Given Seruji’s senior position as the Head of the Work Pass Section, the court regarded his actions as a severe abuse of authority, especially as he had shown preferential treatment to certain business owners.
The sentence took effect from the date of his remand on October 12.
Section 165 of the Penal Code penalises public servants who receive gifts from individuals involved in their official duties without sufficient consideration, with punishments including fines and up to seven years in prison. – FADLEY FAISAL
