SHAH ALAM: A witness told the High Court that Ultra Kirana Sdn Bhd (UKSB) had given RM1.3 million in funds to Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin in 2018.
David Tan Siong Sun, 47, who is the former administrative manager of the company, disclosed this when the company's ledger was shown to him during the corruption trial of former deputy prime minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi involving the Foreign Visa System (VLN) today.
When asked by Ahmad Zahid's lawyer Datuk Ahmad Zaidi Zainal who was the 'TSM' recorded in the ledger, the witness said: "Tan Sri Muhyiddin".
He then went on and told the court that the funds were given to Muhyiddin in cash payments on June 4, July 4 and Aug 23, 2018.
"On June 4, 2018, it was RM300,000; on July 4, it was RM500,000 and on Aug 23, it was RM500,000," he said.
Tan also confirmed that in 2018, Muhyiddin was the Home Minister (after Ahmad Zahid) and that the UKSB-VLN project was still under the Home Ministry's purview.
Ahmad Zaidi: Regarding TSM, I suggest to you, that the payments were made in relation to the VLN for the government of the day?
Tan: Yes, for the government of the day.
Apart from Muhyiddin, other names mentioned in today's proceedings were Khairy Jamaluddin, Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican, Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein, Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal dan Datuk Seri Anifah Aman as they were also stated in the UKSB's ledger and the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission's forensic report.
Tan also confirmed that, based on the ledger, UKSB had given Khairy a total of RM3.7 million, while Reezal Merican, based on MACC's forensic report, had received between RM200,000 and RM300,000 from the company.
When asked whether Reezal Merican was the Deputy Foreign Minister at that time, the witness said: "I'm not sure."
Tan, however, agreed with the lawyer's suggestion that the 'MOR' and 'FM' stated in the ledger referred to the then 'Minister Of Rural' Mohd Shafie and 'Foreign Minister' Anifah.
Ahmad Zaidi: Most of the payments are political donations?
Tan: That's correct.
Ahmad Zaidi: Of course, (the payments) to Datuk Seri Zahid (Ahmad Zahid) are political donations too?
Tan: That's correct.
Meanwhile, the witness disagreed with Ahmad Zahid's other lawyer Hisyam Teh Poh Teik's suggestion that he had abetted two former UKSB directors, Harry Lee Vui Khiun and Wan Quoris Shah Wan Abdul Ghani to commit corruption, money laundering, criminal breach of trust.
Ahmad Zahid is facing 33 charges of receiving bribes amounting to S$13.56 million (RM42 million) from UKSB as an inducement for himself in his capacity as a civil servant and the then home minister to extend the contract of the company as the operator of the One-Stop Centre (OSC) in China and the VLN system as well as to maintain the agreement to supply VLN integrated system paraphernalia to the same company by the home ministry.
For another seven counts, Zahid was charged as home minister to have obtained for himself S$1,150,000, RM3 million, EUR15,000 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 on July 25.
-- BERNAMA
Bernama
Fri Jun 17 2022
A witness told the Shah Alam High Court that Ultra Kirana Sdn Bhd (UKSB) had given RM1.3 million in funds to Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin in 2018. - Astro AWANI
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.