Bandar seri begawan: A Deputy Permanent Secretary from the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism, Awang Wardi bin Haji Mohd Ali, has been sentenced to six and a half years’ imprisonment for multiple offences of misconduct in public office. He was found guilty of using his position to gain benefits from hotels under the Ministry’s purview and accepting fund transfers from a vendor participating in a Ministry event.
According to Radio Television Brunei, this case marks the first conviction in Brunei Darussalam concluded after a full trial under Section 12B of the Prevention of Corruption Act, Chapter 131. An investigation by the Anti-Corruption Bureau uncovered Awang Wardi’s misconduct. Between June 2020 and February 2021, he stayed at two local hotels without immediate payment and received preferential treatment, accumulating unpaid invoices totaling approximately $5,000. These were only settled after investigations commenced. During this period, he facilitated official actions benefiting the hotels and disclosed confidential government information to a hotel owner, creating a conflict of interest.
In addition, the defendant was involved in three separate offences where he received $9,500 in bank transfers from a vendor linked to the Ministry’s annual festival, which he chaired. These payments were undisclosed and partly used for personal expenses, constituting a serious breach of public trust.
In sentencing, the Honourable Senior Magistrate Hjh Azrimah Haji Abdul Rahman emphasized the gravity of the misconduct due to the defendant’s senior position and the repetitive nature of his offences. The offence under Section 12B, introduced through the 2015 amendment, broadens anti-corruption law to include misconduct in public office beyond just gratification. This ruling underscores that all public officers, irrespective of rank, will be held accountable to preserve integrity and governance.
The trial was conducted by Deputy Public Prosecutors Dk Didi-Nuraza Pg Abdul Latiff, Hjh Siti Mu’izzah Hj Sabli, and Jordan Tiah Teck Chiun on behalf of the Public Prosecutor. The defendant was represented by Yusof Halim and Partners, Advocates and Solicitors.