Ex-Minister Trial Continues
By Abd. Rahim Mohd Taib

Bandar Seri Begawan- The High Court continued yesterday the trial of Pengiran Indera Wijaya Pengiran Dr Ismail Pengiran Damit, Brunei's former minister of development, and his alleged co-respondent, Wong Tim Kai in the corruption case involving $11 million.

Ahmad Basuni Abas, the legal counsel for for the ex-minister Pg Dr Ismail, continued with the cross-examination of the 18th witness for the prosecution, Abroad Udin. The latter currently holds the position of the Acting Assistant Commissioner of Land.

The witness confirmed that he forwarded a memo to the Commissioner of Town and Country Planning Department in relation with the appeal letter of TED Sdn Bhd for more land plot as the company was awarded only 1.30 acres of land by the ministry of development in the earlier approval. At the time, Town and Country Planning Department proposed to approve 2.45 acres of land for TED Sdn Bhd as requested. "TED Sdn Bhd applied for 2.45 acres of land and their request was considered or proposed by the Town and Country Planning Department, but after the matter was discussed and decision was made by the Temporary Occupation License (TOL) Committee at the ministry of development, only 1.30 acres of land was approved," said Ahmad.

By January 10, 1992, the company sent an appeal letter for 2.45 acres of land and Ahmad told the court that by March 11, 1992, his office was informed that Minister of Development had no objection to the 1.3 acres earlier approved and also the additional area sought, subject to availability.

Abroad Basuni Abas asked the witness about what actions he took following the issuance of the ministry of development's decision.

The witness said, "I circulated the memo to the District Land Office to inform them about the condition stipulated by the ministry of development as a reply to the appeal letter which TED Sdn Bhd has sent."

The witness also told the court that for the duration of his service at the land office, the TOL Committee at that office has never discussed the appeal of TED Sdn Bhd. He also said he did not know if anyone from the Land Office replied to a letter from TED Sdn Bhd dated January, 10, 1992.

The witness also told the court that as a consequence of a discussion by the TOL Committee at Ministry of Development, the permanent secretary of the ministry would then forward the application to the minister for further action. As to the kind of action to be taken, Ahmad Udin said he did not know because it would be out of his jurisdiction.

The ex-minister and Wong Tim Kai are facing 12 charges which include multiple corruption cases. They could be jailed 10 years and fined $30,000 if found guilty under section 7(1) Prevention of Corruption Act, Chapter 131.

They are also being charged for an offence under section 165 of the Penal Code, Chapter 22.

During the hearing yesterday, Andrew Mac Rae led the prosecutors' and was assisted, by DPP Aldila Mohd Salleh and Maggie Wong. The court was adjourned and will continue tomorrow.-- Courtesy of The Brunei Times

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