KUALA LUMPUR – A former director-general of the Malaysian Defence Intelligence Organisation (MDIO) was charged in the Sessions Court today over alleged corruption involving cash payments and overseas flight tickets for his wife.
Datuk Mohd Razali Alias, 60, pleaded not guilty to three charges before Judge Suzana Hussin.
According to the charge sheet, Mohd Razali, while serving as head of the defence intelligence agency, allegedly received US$20,000 between August and November 2024 from Sheikh Ahmad Nafiq Sheikh A Rahman, 45, a director of Intelligence PC Centre Sdn Bhd. The payment is said to have been an inducement linked to the approval of certification and acceptance of maintenance and support services for the Cyber Defence Operations Centre system.
The alleged offence was said to have taken place at the MDIO headquarters at Kem Kementah, Kuala Lumpur. The charge is framed under Section 16(a)(B) of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2009, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment and a fine of at least five times the value of the gratification or RM10,000, whichever is higher, upon conviction.
Mohd Razali also faces two charges under Section 165 of the Penal Code involving benefits allegedly received for his wife, Datin Azarina Bakia, 59. Prosecutors allege that Sheikh Ahmad Nafiq paid for overseas flight tickets without consideration, despite Mohd Razali knowing that the individual had dealings connected to his official duties.
One charge alleges that on Nov 15, 2024, Mohd Razali received RM26,800 for return flight tickets between Kuala Lumpur and Malaga, Spain. A second charge alleges that on April 28, 2025, he received RM37,800 for return tickets between Kuala Lumpur and Estonia.
Offences under Section 165 of the Penal Code carry a penalty of up to two years’ imprisonment, a fine, or both, if convicted.
Deputy Public Prosecutor (DPP) Law Chin How proposed bail of RM200,000, citing the seriousness of the charges. He noted that although two charges were framed under Section 165 of the Penal Code, one charge was non-bailable as it was brought under Section 16(a)(B).
“Taking into account the amounts involved in the two charges under Section 165 of the Penal Code relating to the flight tickets, and considering the seriousness, sensitivity and nature of the offences, as well as the position held by the accused, we are seeking bail in the sum of RM200,000.
“The condition requiring the accused to surrender his passport is viewed as an additional safeguard, as there is a possibility of flight given that he has recently retired and is understood to travel abroad frequently to attend various events,” said Law, who was assisted by DPPs Ifa Sirrhu Samsudin and Hazel Tan Jia Qi.
Counsel for the accused, Datuk Geethan Ram Vincent, said the bail amount sought by the prosecution was unreasonable, stressing that the purpose of bail was solely to secure the accused’s attendance in court and that the accused was presumed innocent until proven guilty.
“The court should take into account that the accused has cooperated fully with the authorities throughout the investigation, and I submit that the amounts stated in the charges should not be used as the basis for determining bail. My client will attend court at every mention of the case and is prepared to surrender his passport to the court.
“His retirement is scheduled for December, and the programmes he is said to attend are related to official duties. Upon retirement, he will no longer be required to travel abroad frequently,” he said, adding that his client has served in the Armed Forces for about 40 years.
Judge Suzana set March 16 for the case mention and allowed Mohd Razali to be released on bail of RM50,000 in one surety. The court also ordered him to surrender his passport until the disposal of the case.
Previously, the media reported that 23 individuals, including two high-ranking officers and four senior officers of the MAF, were detained by the MACC to assist in investigations into alleged corruption and abuse of power. The case involves procurement and the use of public funds, as well as allegations of receiving bribes from several companies linked to the procurement of supplies for the Armed Forces Welfare Fund (TKAT) and the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF).– January 29, 2026