Datuk denies cheating in alleged 'Dato' title scam
KOTA KINABALU (July 24): A businessman pleaded not guilty in a Sessions Court here today to three charges of cheating in connection with the acquisition of an honorary 'Dato'' title.
Datuk Ling How Ee, 40, entered his plea before judge Jason Juga, who had the charges read to him in Mandarin.
Ling is accused of dishonestly inducing a man to transfer RM2,500, RM500, and RM3,000 into his bank account for the purported purchase of gold accessories for ceremonial attire, and to assist in securing a 'Dato'' title from Pahang, despite having no authority to do so.
The alleged offences took place at a bank branch here on April 19, April 20 and May 17, 2023.
All the charges fall under Section 420 of the Penal Code, which carries a penalty of imprisonment between one and ten years, whipping, and a fine upon conviction.
The court set September 3 for pre-trial case management.
Ling was granted bail of RM10,000 with a RM3,000 deposit and one local surety. Additional conditions imposed included reporting to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) once every two months, surrendering his passport to the court (if any), and refraining from contacting or interfering with prosecution witnesses.
He was represented by counsel Ngui Kuang Kee @ George Ngui.
Ling was arrested on July 2 after giving a statement at the Sabah MACC Office.
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