KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 16 – Tourism Malaysia director-general Datuk Mirza Mohammad Taiyab today claimed trial for criminal breach of trust amounting to RM888,000.

Mirza was jointly charged with the offence with Pampena Sdn Bhd former chief operations officer Mohammad Rosly Selamat.

They pleaded not guilty before Sessions Judge Azizah Mahmud.

Mirza  was represented by Shasi Menon while Rejinder Singh Dhaliwal represented Mohammad Rosly.

Earlier this morning Mohammad Rosly and Pempena’s former financial controller Lim Khing Tai claimed trial to separate charges of criminal breach of trust involving RM169,700.

Today is also the second time Mirza, 53, is in the dock facing charges for corruption.

On July 24, 2009, the Sessions Court acquitted and discharged Mirza for accepting dental treatment valued at RM13,860 from a director of a consulting company, despite knowing the company had dealings with him as the director-general of the Tourism Promotion Board.

Mirza and Mohammad Rosly are accused of approving payment for the construction of Restaurant Malaysia Dubai, in Dubai although conditions were not met.

They are accused of banking the money into the account of LCL Interior LCL Dubai on February 27, 2007.

Bail was set at RM30,000 for Mirza and RM50,000 for Mohammad Rosly.

The case has been fixed for mention on September 6.

They face minimum imprisonment of two years and a maximum of 20 years, whipping and fine if they are convicted.