KUALA LUMPUR: Former Deputy Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, told the High Court today that a donation of RM13.25 million from a businessman, Junaith Asharab Md Shariff, was meant for Yayasan Akalbudi (YAB) welfare activities.
Ahmad Zahid, 69, said that the donation was not for his personal benefit.
"Your Honour, the donation was not for me personally, it was for charity. I don't feel anything and that's normal," said the member of Parliament for Bagan Datuk when cross-examined by deputy public prosecutor (DPP), Mohd 'Afif Ali, while defending himself on 47 charges, namely 12 criminal breaches of trust, eight corruption and 27 money laundering charges, involving tens of millions of ringgit belonging to YAB funds.
Mohd 'Afif: Datuk Seri not 'happy' when people gave donations to Datuk Seri?
Ahmad Zahid: It was not for me, I didn't need to be 'happy'; just said 'thank you'. I didn't feel anything, it's not for me; if it's for me I would be happy".
However, he said that he did not question the source of the donation.
When asked by Mohd 'Afif about the textile wholesaler Junaith had asked him to get a tax exemption, Ahmad Zahid said that he did not remember.
Mohd 'Afif: Throughout the trial of this case there was no document showing that the tax exemption, or even information related to Junaith's contribution to YAB, was ever presented in court.
Ahmad Zahid: Agree
Mohd' Afif: I suggest that Junaith once asked Datuk Seri that he asked for a receipt to get a tax exemption.
Ahmad Zahid: I don't remember.
Touching on YAB funds amounting to RM1.3 million given to the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) Football Association in 2015, Ahmad Zahid said that the funds were in the form of loans and not sponsorships.
He said the funds were requested by his son-in-law, Datuk Zul Hisham Zainal, who is also a businessman, as financial assistance to the players and staff of the football association who had not been paid for four months.
Ahmad Zahid agreed with DPP Nur Aishah Ahmad Zakiuddin's suggestion that he was the one who instructed his former executive secretary, Major Mazlina Mazlan @ Ramly, to provide the RM1.3 million cheque to the football association, and had signed the cheque.
Asked by Nur Aishah whether YAB, which is meant for charity, can provide funds to the football association, Ahmad Zahid explained that if they did not receive their salary for four months, they would become poor because they were unable to cover their daily expenses, house and car instalments.
Ahmad Zahid also denied that the RM1.3 million given to the football association was a criminal breach of trust because the money had been paid back to YAB.
Meanwhile, Ahmad Zahid disagreed with the prosecution's suggestion that he often blamed others while testifying in court.
"I'm not blaming others, it's the truth and that's what really happened. My statement is based on the oath I read (in court)," he said.
In today's proceedings, lawyer Hamidi Mohd Noh who represents Ahmad Zahid, said that the defence will call 43 witnesses.
Ahmad Zahid's defence team previously informed the court that it would call 20 witnesses.
On Jan 24, the court ordered Ahmad Zahid to enter his defence on the 47 charges.
The trial, before Judge Datuk Collin Lawrence Sequerah, continues on Monday.
-- BERNAMA
Bernama
Tue Aug 23 2022
Ahmad Zahid told the Kuala Lumpur High Court today that a donation of RM13.25 million from a businessman, Junaith Asharab Md Shariff, was meant for Yayasan Akalbudi (YAB) welfare activities. - BERNAMA
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.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.
Minimum wage to increase to RM1,700 effective Feb 1, 2025
The Progressive Wage Policy would be fully enforced next year with an allocation of RM200 million, benefiting 50,000 workers.
Bursa Malaysia ends higher on Budget 2025 optimism
The benchmark index, which opened 1.85 points higher at 1,643.29, moved between 1,641.71 and 1,649.31 throughout the trading session.
Five important aspects relating to people’s lives in Budget 2025 - PM
The focus is on driving the MADANI Economy, speeding reforms, cutting red tape, raising wages, and tackling the cost of living.
Economic outlook: Govt plans to leverage, expand existing city transit system
The expansion aims to provide a more efficient and reliable public transportation network, reduce congestion, and improve accessibility.