Contributions made to Yayasan Akalbudi are considered to be owned by both the foundation and its chairperson Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, the court was told today.
Hutan Melintang assemblyperson Khairuddin Tarmizi (photo, above) also testified that contrary to the prosecution's claims, funds from the foundation were used for charity.
Khairuiddin, who is a member of the foundation's board of trustees, was testifying in Zahid's money laundering and criminal breach of trust case involving Yayasan Akalbudi's funds.
During cross-examination by Zahid's lawyer Ahmad Zaidi Zainal, Khairuddin agreed to a question that the Umno president's personal funds and those belonging to the foundation had become intermingled.
Ahmad Zaidi also brought Khairuddin's attention to a list of 27 charitable contributions by Yayasan Akalbudi, including for the poor, orphans, Hari Raya aid, and renovations for suraus and mosques.
The defence said that unlike the prosecution's claim that "not one sen" of RM31 million funds were used for charity, the list clearly proved that "more than one sen" had been used.
He also read out a list of 28 projects including in Australia, Canada, China, Indonesia, Thailand, and South Africa.
Khairuddin agreed with both points raised by the defence, saying that a large portion of the projects mentioned was funded by the foundation.
When re-examined by deputy public prosecutor Lee Keng Fat, the assemblyperson said he was not sure how much funds were actually used.
"I'm not sure, but it was a lot," he said.
Meanwhile, Lee also questioned who owned funds that were contributed to Yayasan Akalbudi.
Lee: My question is when someone contributes to the foundation, who will own (the funds)?
Khairuddin: It will be private (Zahid's) property as well as belonging to the foundation.
Zahid, who is also a former deputy minister, is facing a total of 47 charges, including 12 counts of criminal breach of trust, eight counts of receiving gratification and 27 counts of money laundering involving Yayasan Akalbudi's funds.
The trial, presided by High Court judge Collin Lawrence Sequerah, continues tomorrow. - Mkini
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