Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi paid a contractor RM1.4 million in cash to renovate a bungalow in Kajang, Selangor between late 2018 and early 2019, the Kuala Lumpur High Court heard today.
Contractor Marzuki Che Omar, the prosecution’s 70th witness, said he was tasked with renovating the bungalow and there was no need for a contract or a receipt because the deal was based on trust.
“All payments were received in cash from Zahid either after subuh or zohor prayers,” said Marzuki.
He said he would go to Surau An-Nur whenever he was told to and would receive the payments from Zahid.
“I can verify that there was no written contract for the renovation works. I also didn’t issue any receipts.
“I received instructions from Zahid verbally. The deal was based on trust,” said Marzuki in his witness statement.
He was testifying in the trial against Zahid for criminal breach of trust, graft, and money laundering in relation to funds held by Yayasan Akalbudi, which was supposed to be a charitable foundation.
The bungalow was among properties procured by Yayasan Al-Falah, which is chaired by Mohamad Nasaee Ahmad Tarmizi, 58, who is Zahid’s younger stepbrother.
Previously, the court had heard that Yayasan Al-Falah is an extension of Yayasan Akalbudi, which was founded by Zahid. The bungalow in question was purchased from tycoon Lee Kim Yew in 2017.
According to Marzuki’s testimony, he was informed by Zahid that once renovated, the bungalow would be used by Yayasan Al-Falah for religious classes for the elderly.
During the examination-in-chief by prosecutor Ahmad Sazilee Abdul Khairi, Marzuki said he was paid based on progress claims.
“(Once I make a claim), in seven days, God willing, Datuk Seri (Zahid) would pay me, your honour,” said Marzuki.
Marzuki said renovation works began in Oct 2018 and was completed in mid-February 2019. – Malaysiakini
Earlier reports:
Jun 17, Zahid’s Trial: After RM1.3M Blank Cheque Revelations, Witnesses Put Blame on Omar Ali
Jun 17, Zahid’s Trial: Wife Signed Blank Cheque Book for Moneychanger Husband’s Use
Jun 17, Zahid’s Trial: Contractor Tells Court of Dealings with Zahid’s Proxy
Jun 17, Zahid’s Trial: Brother Cited Zahid as Having Paid RM5.9M for Country Heights Bungalows
Jun 16, Zahid’s Trial Brother Bought 2 Properties Worth RM5.9M Using Foundation Money
Jun 15, Zahid’s Trial: RM25M Banked into Proxy’s Account
Mar 6, Zahid’s Trial: Cheques Issued Meant for Moneychanger Ended up in Proxy Account
Mar 3, Zahid’s Trial: RM99M Worth of Cheques Went into Foundation’s Trustee Account
Feb 20, Zahid’s Trial: Businessman Insists RM2 Million Donations to Zahid, Not Bribery for Contracts
Feb 19, Zahid’s Trial: Alleged RM6M Political Donation
Feb 15, Zahid’s Trial: Zahid Directed That Datasonics Passport Chips to Be Used
Feb 13, Zahid’s Trial: Under-Performing Firm Allowed to Resupply Passport Chips
Feb 12, Zahid’s Trial: Foundation Never Audited Its Accounts or Filed Financial Reports with SSM
Feb 11, Zahid’s Trial: Former DPM Signed 51 Foundation Cheques Worth RM31M
Dec 13, Zahid’s Trial: Earned RM44,383 a Month as DPM
Dec 12, Zahid’s Trial: RM360K All Went Towards Voter Registration, Not to Print Quran
Dec 10, Zahid’s Trial: Firm Received RM360K from Zahid’s Charity Body for Voter Registration
Dec 10, Zahid’s Trial: Insurance, Road Tax for His 20 Vehicles Paid with Foundation Funds
Dec 5, Zahid’s Trial: 39 Insurance Policies Totalling RM72K for 20 Vehicles
Dec 3, Zahid’s Trial: Couple Owns 18 Luxury Vehicles
Dec 2, Zahid’s Trial: Wife’s Credit Cards Used for LV, Harrods, Armani, RM250K Spending Limit
Nov 21, Zahid’s Trial: Day Four
Nov 21, Zahid’s Trial: Day Three
Nov 20, Schoomate: I Signed Blank Cheques on Zahid’s Order,
Nov 19, Zahid’s Trial: Day Two
Nov 18, Zahid Embezzled RM31M Meant for the Poor