KUALA LUMPUR – Former Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri M. Saravanan was charged in the Sessions Court today with three counts of corruption involving RM1.097 million, linked to approvals of foreign worker quotas.
Saravanan, 58, who is also MIC deputy president, pleaded not guilty to all charges read separately before Judge Azura Alwi.
Prosecutors allege Saravanan received RM150,000 and RM350,000 in cash from Vectica Resources director Tan Teck Lim, via intermediary Syed Amirul Syed Ahmad, at Bukit Jalil Golf & Country Resort and Bangsar in June and July 2022.
“The payments were inducements and rewards for approving TYKB Engineering Sdn Bhd’s application for 1,000 foreign worker quotas,” the charge sheet stated.
The third charge involves RM597,000, allegedly received through a bank cheque deposited into Big Seven Ventures Sdn Bhd’s account at Maybank Islamic, Taman Desa, on July 7, 2022.
All charges fall under Section 16(a)(B) of the MACC Act 2009, carrying a maximum 20‑year jail term and fines of at least five times the bribe amount or RM10,000, whichever is higher, upon conviction.
Saravanan was granted bail of RM450,000 with one surety by the Sessions Court here today after being charged with three corruption offenses.
Judge Azura Alwi allowed bail for all three charges and ordered him to surrender additional conditions: he must report to the nearest Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) office every three months until the conclusion of the trial, and strictly refrain from contacting or interfering with prosecution witnesses, directly or via third parties.
The court fixed Sept 29 for case mention.
Earlier, Deputy Public Prosecutor Julaila Jamaludin noted that while charges under Section 16(a)(B) of the MACC Act 2009 are non-bailable, the prosecution would not object to the court exercising its discretion. The prosecution had initially requested bail to be set at RM800,000 with one Malaysian surety.
Highlighting the seriousness of the charges against the Tapah MP, DPP Julaila urged the court to set a high bail amount with stringent conditions, arguing that a public figure’s standing in society warrants a proportionate bail figure.
She emphasized that the proposed bail terms are neither excessive nor punitive, but necessary given the media profile of the case and the inherent risk of an influential figure absconding.
While acknowledging no witnesses have been approached or intimidated to date, Julaila stressed that the accused’s political influence provides the opportunity for interference, making strict conditions vital to deter any potential witness tampering.
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