SHAH ALAM: A witness told the High Court here today that Ultra Kirana Sdn Bhd (UKSB) gave a political donation of RM2.6 million to former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
Former UKSB administrative manager David Tan Siong Sun, 47, said this during cross-examination by Datuk Ahmad Zaidi Zainal, representing Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi in the former deputy prime minister's Foreign Visa System (VLN) corruption trial, when the ledger in his laptop was referred to him.
Asked by Ahmad Zaidi if Dr Mahathir had received political contributions, the witness replied: "Yes, and (also) the party (Bersatu)".
He told the court further that the funds were paid through Dr Mahathir's nephew, Tan Sri Rahmat Abu Bakar, with the code 'Kedahan' used as reference.
Ahmad Zaidi: Why (did) you make a payment to Tan Sri Rahmat?
Tan: I believe it is for political funds.
Ahmad Zaidi: That RM2.6 million was given to Tan Sri Rahmat to be given to Tun Mahathir, is that correct, for political funds?
Tan: That's correct.
Tan also told the court that UKSB had also given political contributions to Bersatu president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, through his (Muhyiddin) good friend Datuk Teo Wee Cheng, who is also SHH Resources Sdn Bhd director.
The witness also agreed with Ahmad Zaidi that the money received by Ahmad Zahid was meant as political funds.
Ahmad Zaidi: Do you see Tun Mahathir and Tan Sri Muhyiddin in court next to Datuk Seri Zahid?
Tan: No.
Ahmad Zahid, 69, is facing 33 charges of receiving bribes totalling SG$13.56 million from UKSB for himself as Home Minister to extend the contract of the company as the operator of One Stop Centre service in China and the VLN system as well as to maintain the contract agreement to supply the VLN integrated system to the same company by the Home Ministry.
For another seven counts, Ahmad Zahid was charged as home minister to have obtained for himself SG$1,150,000, RM3 million, 15,000 Swiss Francs and US$15,000 in cash from the same company in connection with his official work.
He is charged with committing all the offences at Seri Satria, Presint 16, Putrajaya, and Country Heights, Kajang, between October 2014 and March 2018.
The trial before Judge Mohd Yazid Mustafa continues tomorrow.
-- BERNAMA
Bernama
Mon Jul 25 2022
The witness also agreed with Ahmad Zaidi that the money received by Ahmad Zahid was meant as political funds. - BERNAMA
COP29 climate summit draft proposes rich countries pay $250 billion per year
The draft finance deal criticised by both developed and developing nations.
Bomb squad sent to London's Gatwick Airport after terminal evacuation
This was following the discovery of a suspected prohibited item in luggage.
Kelantan urges caution amidst northeast monsoon rains
Kelantan has reminded the public in the state to refrain from outdoor activities with the arrival of the Northeast Monsoon season.
Former New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern receives UN leadership award
Former New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern was given a global leadership award by the United Nations Foundation.
ICC'S arrest warrants for Netanyahu, Gallant an apt decision - PM
The decision of the ICC to issue arrest warrants against Benjamin Netanyahu and Yoav Gallant is apt, said Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
KTMB provides two additional ETS trains for Christmas, school holidays
KTMB will provide two additional ETS trains for the KL Sentral-Padang Besar route and return trips in conjunction with the holidays.
BNM'S international reserves rise to USD118 bil as at Nov 15, 2024
Malaysia's international reserves rose to US$118.0 billion as at Nov 15, 2024, up from US$117.6 billion on Oct 30, 2024.
Findings by dark energy researchers back Einstein's conception of gravity
The findings announced are part of a years-long study of the history of the cosmos focusing upon dark energy.
NRES responds to Rimbawatch press release on COP29
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES) wishes to offer the following clarifications to the issues raised.
Online Safety Bill and Anti-Cyberbullying Laws must carefully balance rights and protections
The Online Safety Advocacy Group (OSAG) stands united with people in Malaysia in the fight against serious online harms.
Malaysia's inflation at 1.9 pct in Oct 2024 - DOSM
Malaysia's inflation rate for October 2024 has increased to 1.9 per cent, up from 1.8 per cent in September this year.
Saudi Arabia showcases Vision 2030 goals at Airshow China 2024
For the first time, Saudi Arabia is participating in the China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition held recently in Zhuhai.
King Charles' coronation cost GBP 71mil, govt accounts show
The coronation of Britain's King Charles cost taxpayers GBP72 million (US$90 million), official accounts have revealed.
Couple and associate charged with trafficking 51.9 kg of meth
A married couple and a man were charged in the Magistrate's Court here today with trafficking 51.974 kilogrammes of Methamphetamine.
PDRM to consult AGC in completing Teoh Beng Hock investigation
The police may seek new testimony from existing witnesses for additional insights into the investigation of Teoh Beng Hock's death.
Thai court rejects petition over ex-PM Thaksin's political influence
Thailand's Constitutional Court rejects a petition seeking to stop Thaksin Shinawatra from interfering in the running the Pheu Thai party.
Abidin takes oath of office as Sungai Bakap assemblyman
The State Assemblyman for Sungai Bakap, Abidin Ismail, was sworn in today at the State Assembly building, Lebuh Light.
UPNM cadet officer charged with injuring junior, stomping on him with spike boots
A cadet officer at UPNM pleaded not guilty to a charge of injuring his junior by stomping on the victim's stomach with spike boots.
How Indian billionaire Gautam Adani's alleged bribery scheme took off and unraveled
The indictment was unsealed on Nov. 20, prompting a $27 billion plunge in Adani Group companies' market value.
Elon Musk blasts Australia's planned ban on social media for children
Several countries have already vowed to curb social media use by children through legislation, but Australia's policy could become one of the most stringent.