KUCHING (July 10): A former president of the Malaysian Association of Arts and Culture Activists Sarawak claimed trial in the Magistrates’ Court here today on a charge of using a forged government grant offer letter in connection with the publication of a cultural book.

Mazuki Tambi, 52, pleaded not guilty before Magistrate Mason Jaro Lenya Barayan after the charge under Section 471 of the Penal Code, punishable under Section 468 of the same Code, was read to him.

According to the charge, Mazuki allegedly used a forged grant offer letter dated Jan 17, 2024, relating to the publication of a cultural book, with the intention of cheating.

The offence was allegedly committed at around 12.18pm at a house on Jalan Cenderawasih, Semariang Baru here on Feb 21, 2024.

It was informed that an administrative officer at the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts doubted the authenticity of the grant offer letter submitted by Mazuki, involving an approved amount of RM500,000.

A thorough review carried out by the ministry revealed the letter was not genuine.

Following a police report lodged, Mazuki was arrested on April 30 this year.

The court fixed Aug 12, 2025 for pre-trial case management and allowed the accused to be released on bail of RM2,000 with one local surety.

Mazuki was not represented by legal counsel.

forge grant offer Kuching Malaysian Association of Arts and Culture Activists Sarawak Mazuki Tambi