Former Education Minister, Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid did not ask for reward when helping to secure the hybrid solar projects for 369 rural schools in Sarawak to Jepak Holdings Sdn Bhd (Jepak Holdings), the High Court heard today.
Jepak Holdings managing director, Saidi Abang Samsudin said this when refuting a suggestion by lawyer Datuk Akberdin Abdul Kader, representing Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, that Mahdzir had asked for 20 per cent of the project value in return for his help.
The testimony by Saidi, 61, contradicted the testimony by his business partner and 16th prosecution witness, Rayyan Radzwill Abdullah, who told the court that the former Education Minister had asked for 20 per cent from Jepak Holdings for the purpose.
Akberdin: For all the help and contributions by Mahdzir (to help secure the hybrid solar project), he had requested 20 per cent of the project value which is RM250 million from you.
Saidi: (Mahdzir) did not make any request, disagree.
Akberdin: After that you said it was too much, cannot give 20 per cent, and finally reduced to RM60 million, and an agreement was sealed between you and Mahdzir, with payment of RM1 million a month for five years (to Mahdzir).
Saidi: No, there was no such agreement.
Akberdin: From the 20 per cent, the amount was reduced to RM60 million and an agreement was prepared by Rayyan Radzwill, where you and Mahdzir’s proxy, by the name of Md Fuad Yasin, had signed the agreement.
Saidi: There was an agreement with Fuad, but not with Mahdzir.
Saidi, who is the 17th witness, was testifying in Rosmah’s trial case regarding the RM1.25 billion hybrid solar project involving 369 rural schools in Sarawak.
Rosmah, who is the wife of former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak is facing one charge of soliciting RM187.5 million and two counts of receiving bribes totalling RM6.5 million from Saidi.
The bribes were allegedly received through her former aide, Datuk Rizal Mansor, 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 acts 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.
Akberdin, who seemed dissatisfied with Saidi’s response, continued to 'pressure' the witness on Md Fuad's relationship with Mahdzir, where the lawyer repeatedly suggested to Saidi that Md Fuad signed the agreement on Mahdzir's behalf.
However, Saidi insisted that he did not know about Md Fuad's relation with Mahdzir, but admitted to offering RM60 million to Md Fuad after the latter promised to get a Letter of Acceptance for the solar hybrid project within a month.
Akberdin: What was Md Fuad’s background that made you believe that he could get the SST for a reward of RM60 million, that is a huge amount.
Saidi: I’m a politician, he is (Md Fuad) a politician, maybe he has got contacts …I gave him a month to get the SST, but to whom he wanted to give the RM60 million I don’t know.
Akberdin: I put it to you, you are lying, you are not telling the truth, you are deliberately hiding the fact that Md Fuad is Mahdzir’s proxy because you and Mahdzir are close.
Saidi: Not true.
Md Fuad, who is wanted by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), is still at large.
Saidi, however, agreed with Akberdin that he paid RM40,000 for accommodation of Padang Terap UMNO divisional delegates during the UMNO general assembly in Kuala Lumpur in 2016.
Saidi was also asked on the role played by Pekan UMNO division secretary Datuk Ahmad Aazmey Abu Talib in helping Jepak Holdings to secure the project, to which Saidi admitted to having agreed to give RM50 million to Ahmad Aazmey through an agreement which they signed on July 19, 2016.
Akberdin: You also gave Ahmad Aazmey about RM20,000 or RM30,000 a month since December 2016 until the solar hybrid project was awarded to Jepak Holdings.
Saidi: Yes, for Pekan UMNO.
Akberdin: Do you agree that you have paid RM2 million to Ahmad Aazmey for his help.
Saidi: I did give him money, but can’t remember the amount.
The hearing before judge Mohamed Zaini Mazlan continues tomorrow. - BERNAMA
Bernama
Mon Aug 17 2020
The testimony by Saidi, 61, contradicted the testimony by his business partner and 16th prosecution witness, Rayyan Radzwill Abdullah - Pic Astro AWANI/ Shahir Omar
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.
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.