BRUNEIAN diplomat, Haji Yakib bin Haji Jumat, appeared in the Bandar Seri Begawan Magistrate’s Court yesterday charged with 20 counts of corruption involving Rp 200 million (about B$55,000), which he allegedly squeezed out of various Indonesian labour agents in Jakarta for working visas.

Hajah Anifa Rafiza, Deputy Public Prosecutor told the court that Haji Yakib allegedly was able to do so, while he was Brunei Embassy’s Third Secretary in its Consular section in Jakarta in 2006.

Chief Magistrate Hajah Rostina heard that the sums Haji Yakib took as bribes varied from B$272 to $7,632.15 for processing 697 workers’ visas. Large transactions were done on two occasions.

The charge said that he accepted the bribe from one Asroh bin Sukaeni, a freelance agent, “as a reward” for issuing 697 employment visa applications for September 2006 submitted through Asroh, an agent.

Haji Yakib, a career diplomat, who is in his 40s is pleading not guilty. Counsel Shiekh Noordin is defending him.
All offences are alleged to have been committed between July and December 2006, the court heard.

Haji Yakib is married with three children and the bribe taking allegedly happened at the Brunei Embassy in Jakarta.

At that time of the alleged offence his family was in Brunei, it is understood. Hearing continues.

Haji Yakib is on a $10,000 bail with two sureties and if convicted he could be jailed.

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