Corruption Trial Adds Details On Land
By Abd Rahim Mohd Taib

Bandar Seri Begawan - The prosecution witness in the corruption trial of an ex-minister revealed yesterday the existence of companies that have been granted plots of TOL land at first requests, including one whose director is a green identity card holder, Singaporean and Princess Amal Umi Kalthum AlIslam.

The witness, Ahmad Udin, Acting Assistant Commissioner of Land at the Land Office, Ministry of Development, told High Court that Bian Hoe Sdn Bhd, a supplier of construction material, applied to the Land Office for TOL land and was granted right away.

"The proposal letter for the area of 0.849 acre together with the plan was enclosed from the Town and Country Planning Department and this was also in reference to the applicant's letter to the Town and Country Planning department dated December 5, 1991," said Ahmad. He confirmed that the application of Bian Hoe Sdn Bhd was signed by Lim Tai Tong, its director, who was also a green colour identity card holder and a Singaporean.

Andrew MacRae, the chief prosecutor, asked if there were any other directors in the company. Ahmad confirmed that the other director was Yang Teramat Mulia Paduka Seri Pengiran Anak Puteri Amal Umi Kalthum Al-Islam.

"The Sultan's sister?" asked MacRae. "Yes, that's right," Ahmad Udin said. Ex-Minister of Development Pengiran Indera Wijaya and Wong Tim Kai are facing charges under the Prevention of Corruption Act and the Penal Code. Chief Justice Dato Seri Paduka Mohammed Saied presided over the session.

The defence counsel revealed other companies whose application for TOL land plots were granted at the first request. They included Kehasan Trading Sdn Bhd (which got 2 acres of land for its first request and the additional 1.25 acres for the following application) and Harof Corporation. Abroad Udin confirmed that this was so.

The defence counsel sought to display how Harof Corporation - which had 51 foreign workers and had never done any major projects for the government - had been granted land at first request.

The witness said he was uncertain whether the two different names referred in the court documents - Awang Haji Hasan Haji Mohd Yusof and Haji Awang Mohd Hasan POKDG Hj Mohd Yusof - were the same despite being linked to the same company, Brunei Construction Sdn Bhd which was got a plot of land at first request.

The trial was presided before Chief Justice Dato Seri Paduka Mohammed Saied. The court was adjourned and will continue for hearing tomorrow.-- Courtesy of The Brunei Times

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