Datuk Rizal Mansor denied in the High Court here today that he had cut a deal with the prosecution to testify as crown witness against his former employer, Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, in her corruption case in connection with the supply and installation of solar energy to 369 rural schools in Sarawak.
The former special officer to Rosmah also disagreed with a suggestion by Datuk Jagjit Singh, representing Rosmah, that he made the deal with the prosecution in exchange for the four charges made against him to be dropped.
Jagjit: It is clear that you entered into a criminal conspiracy with the prosecution and cut a deal with them to be the crown witness against Datin Seri Rosmah, in consideration the prosecution withdraw the four charges against you.
Rizal: No.
The 21st prosecution witness is testifying in the trial of the wife of former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak who is facing one charge of soliciting RM187.5 million and two counts of receiving bribes, totalling RM6.5 million from Jepak Holdings ex-managing director Saidi Abang Samsudin.
The court on Jan 8, acquitted and discharged Rizal, 46, on four charges of soliciting and receiving bribes involving RM5.5 million for himself and Rosmah over the solar hybrid project, after the prosecution withdrew all the charges against him.
On a question by Jagjit Singh regarding the charges made against him, Rizal, who has been placed under the witness protection programme, said that the money stated in the charges was a political donation.
“The four charges against you were soliciting and receiving bribes for yourself, you still want the court to believe it is political donation,” said Jagjit and the witness answered yes.
The question was posed by the defence as Rizal had admitted to soliciting and receiving the monies in his witness statement.
Rizal was also asked about his salary and assets, where he admitted to owning luxury cars such as Audi, BMW and Mercedes Benz and a house worth RM3.5 million.
Jagjit: With your designation of Grade 48 special officer, your salary of around RM7,000 and with that pay you had Audi, BMW, Mercedes Benz and a house valued at RM3.5 million.
Rizal: Agree.
Jagjit: All bought with corrupt monies.
The witness also admitted that he was sponsored by Saidi and his business partner, Rayyan Radzwill Abdullah, when he went to Mecca to perform umrah in 2016 and 2017, but denied that they fully funded his travel.
Jagjit: Are you not ashamed, going to the Holy Land with corrupt money, sponsored by others?
Rizal: No.
Jagjit: You made the trip by using corrupt money?
Rizal: It was political donation.
Jagjit: Based on your admission, I put it to you that you are the most dishonest, contemptible and despicable person in this entire case, you are corrupt and you are the worst.
Rizal: No.
According to the charges, Rosmah, 68, was alleged to have received the bribes through Rizal as a reward for helping Jepak Holdings secure the Hybrid Photovoltaic Solar System Integrated Project, as well as the maintenance and operation of diesel gen-sets, for 369 Sarawak rural schools worth RM1.25 billion from the Education Ministry through direct negotiation.
The offences were allegedly committed at Lygon Cafe, Sunway Putra Mall, Jalan Putra here; Rosmah’s residence at Jalan Langgak Duta, Taman Duta and at Seri Perdana, Persiaran Seri Perdana, Precinct 10, Putrajaya between January 2016 and Sept 2017.
The hearing before judge Mohamed Zaini Mazlan continues tomorrow.
-- BERNAMA
Bernama
Mon Sep 14 2020
Rizal Mansor denied in the High Court today that he had cut a deal with the prosecution to testify as crown witness against Rosmah Mansor. - BERNAMA
Who is Prabowo Subianto, incoming president of Indonesia?
A wealthy ex-general with ties to Indonesia's popular outgoing president and its dictatorial past, looks set to be its next leader.
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.