An ex-special officer to the Defence Minister was charged today at the Shah Alam Sessions Court for receiving RM80,000 in bribes.

The accused, Zailan Jauhari, however pleaded not guilty to the offence that he committed at a restaurant in Kuala Selangor between 7.30pm and 8pm on Jan 8, 2014.

Based on the charge sheet, Zailan, who was a special officer (special duties) to Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein was alleged to have received RM20,000 cash and a cheque for RM60,000 from Siti Rahmah Sabli.

The money was to help two companies, KCM Maju Resources and Syarikat Sri Kajang Jaya obtain tenders for school cleaning works at Zone 2 and Zone 4 in the Kuala Selangor district.

He was charged under Section 16(a)(A) of the Malaysian Anti Corruption Act 2009 which carries a jail sentence of not more than 20 years or a fine not less than five times the amount received, or RM10,000.

Judge Asnawi Hussin granted bail of RM30,000 and fixed February 13 for mention of the case.