KUALA LUMPUR: The High Court today was told that Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi had never promised a textile wholesaler of any MyEG project in return for RM13 million given to him in 23 cheques via law firm Messrs Lewis Co, the trustee of Yayasan Akalbudi owned by Ahmad Zahid.

Lead counsel Hisyam Teh Poh Teik, representing Ahmad Zahid, submitted that textile wholesaler Junaith Asharab Md Shariff, the 36th prosecution witness, had testified under oath that the 23 cheques amounting to RM13 million were not given as a bribe or inducement.

"Junaith in his testimony said it was rather his personal contribution or donation for religious or charitable purposes, namely, to build a mosque and tahfiz school.

"Charges number 12 and 13, out of the 47 charges faced by my client cannot stand, as the evidence had shown that the RM13 million tied to the charges was meant for the construction of a mosque and tahfiz school in Bagan Datuk," he said in his submission at the end of the prosecution's case before judge Datuk Collin Lawrence Sequerah.

Hisyam then referred the court to Junaith's witness statement which stated that he (Junaith) and Ahmad Zahid's brother, Datuk Seri Mohamad Nasaee Ahmad Tarmizi went to see Ahmad Zahid at his residence to deliver the cheques for the purpose of building the said mosque and tahfiz school.

"During the cross-examination of Junaith, he also confirmed that the respective 13 and 10 cheques from two companies, Mastoro Kenny and textile company Berani dan Jujur Trading, run by him, were for charitable and donation purposes.

"In fact, upon cross-examination, Junaith also confirmed that the accused never promised him any MyEG project," he said.

Hisyam further affirmed the allegation that the cheques were given as inducement for the accused to secure projects for Mastoro Kenny was therefore unfounded.

Ahmad Zahid, 68, is facing 47 charges - 12 for CBT, eight for corruption and 27 for money laundering - involving tens of millions of ringgit belonging to Yayasan Akalbudi.

The defence will continue its submission on Sept 20.

-- BERNAMA