KUALA LUMPUR: The High Court was told today that Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman had instructed that the RM1 million withdrawn from Angkatan Bersatu Anak Muda (Armada) account be distributed among party wing exco members, a day after the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) investigated and searched his residence in Petaling Jaya in March 2020.
MACC investigating officer Mohd Syahmeizy Sulong, 37, said the money withdrawn on March 6, 2020 was in the control of Rafiq Hakim Razali, the assistant treasurer of Armada, the youth wing of Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia and no transactions were made during that period before it was distributed on April 1, 2020.
"The money was kept at Rafiq Hakim's house before it was distributed to Federal Territory Bersatu Youth Information Chief Muhammad Daniel Kusari and party member then Muhammad Naqib Ab Rahim," he said during examination-in-chief by deputy public prosecutor Muhammad Asyraf Mohamed Tahir at the trial of the Muar MP, who faces four charges related to criminal breach of trust (CBT) and money laundering.
Asked why the RM1 million was distributed all of a sudden to Muhammad Daniel and Muhammad Naqib, the witness replied: The money was distributed after the MACC started investigating and searching YB Syed Saddiq's house on March 31, 2020.
Mohd Syahmeizy, who investigated the case involving the misappropriation of Armada funds, said based on witness statements, the money was withdrawn by two Armada trustees, Rafiq Hakim and Ahmad Redzuan Mohamed Shafi, who was the Armada assistant secretary on Syed Saddiq's instructions.
According to the MACC senior superintendent, the cheques were signed by Rafiq Hakim and Ahmad Redzuan because Syed Saddiq had no time to visit the bank, besides the fact that his signature changed frequently.
The 25th prosecution witness said investigations also revealed that on March 31, 2020, the accused had contacted Rafiq Hakim and instructed him to 'clear' the money kept in his (Rafiq Hakim) house as he (Syed Saddiq) was worried that the cash would be seized by the MACC.
To another question, Mohd Syahmeizy said the MACC had searched Syed Saddiq's house on the same day (March 31) following investigations done by another case investigating officer Muhamad Khairi Muhamad Rodi, who had been investigating the case of the missing RM250,000 at the politician's house.
According to Mohd Syahmeizy, of the RM1 million, some RM650,000 had been distributed to Muhammad Daniel while RM250,000 was to Muhammad Naqib.
However, he added, the MACC only found RM425,537 on Muhammad Daniel and went on to confiscate the money.
Asked about the rest of the money, the witness replied: From Muhammad Daniel's statement, the balance of the money was distributed to division heads and Armada members.
Earlier, Mohd Syahmeizy said there were discussions involving Syed Saddiq, Rafiq Hakim and Ahmad Redzuan in early March 2020 and according to statements by witnesses, Syed Saddiq was extremely worried about the political turmoil in the country following the 'Sheraton Move'.
"As such, YB Syed Saddiq asked Rafiq Hakim how much money was in the Armada central committee's account. YB Syed Saddiq stated that the money was the result of hard work during his tenure as Armada chief. Rafiq Hakim then told YB Syed Saddiq that the current account balance was more than RM1 million," he said.
He also said that the withdrawals were made after Syed Saddiq's position in Pakatan Harapan was shaky and this fact was supported by several of the witness statements, namely Ahmad Redzuan, Rafiq Hakim and former Armada exco member, Abdul Hannaan Khairy.
To a question by Deputy Public Prosecutor Datuk Wan Shaharuddin Wan Ladin on why Syed Saddiq was charged for the first time on July 22, 2021 when the consent to prosecute was issued on Jan 4 the same year, the witness replied: For the investigation against YB Syed Saddiq, the MACC had opened five investigation papers of different complaints and information.
"Therefore, the charge against him took too long because I needed the statements given by witnesses to 'synchronise' with other investigation papers because at that time there was an incomplete investigation paper on YB Syed Saddiq," said the witness.
The trial before Judicial Commissioner Datuk Azhar Abdul Hamid continues.
-- BERNAMA
Bernama
Wed Jul 20 2022
The High Court was told today that Syed Saddiq had instructed that the RM1 million withdrawn from the Armada account be distributed among party wing exco members. - BERNAMA
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.
Economic outlook: Budget 2025 to lay foundation for a digital-driven economy
The report said Budget 2025 will entail efforts to position Kuala Lumpur as a top 20 global startup hub by 2030 through the KL20 initiative.
Economic outlook: Corruption and lack of accountability hinder economic progress
Special Cabinet Committee on National governance is established to curb corruption, law reforms to modernise outdate regulations, MoF said.
National Wages Consultative Council will be strengthened
The govt will also incentivise hiring women returning from career breaks, offer job matching and improve care services facilities.
Economic outlook: Ensuring 11 years of compulsory education for all children
Budget 2025 will continue prioritising upskilling and retraining initiatives to equip workers with the latest skill sets necessary.
Consolidated public sector projected to record lower surplus of RM41.7 bil 2024
The MoF said the consolidated general government revenue is estimated to increase slightly to RM384.7 billion in 2024.
PM announces substantial Budget 2025 hastening Malaysia to become Asian economic powerhouse
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said it would create jobs and also tackle financial leakages to enhance public spending efficiency.