Cheques cashed by Zahid's Yayasan Akalbudi's trustee, court hears

ZAHID TRIAL | A retiree told the Kuala Lumpur High Court that he had signed five cheques with a total value of RM366,000 without stating the payee.

The cheques were eventually cashed by law firm Lewis & Co, which served as a trustee for Yayasan Akalbudi, a foundation owned by Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi (photo).

Zahid is on trial for criminal breach of trust, money laundering and corruption concerning the foundation's funds.

T Rajan, 68, said the cheques were handed to a money changer, known only as "Omar", in exchange for AUD$90,000. All five cheques were dated July 15, 2016.

Rajan said the money was used for the down payment of his daughter's house in Australia.

During the examination-in-chief by DPP Harris Ong Mohd Jeffery Ong, Rajan said he usually leaves the payee column empty when buying foreign currency from "Omar".

Rajan said he only found out that the payee was Lewis & Co when he was contacted by the bank for verification.

Harris: What was your reaction when the bank contacted you?

Rajan: Nothing. I don't know who is Lewis & Co. I already got my money. The bank asked if I issued (the cheque) and I said, 'yes'.

Harris: Were your suspicions raised?

Rajan: No.

To a question, Rajan said he doesn't know Zahid personally.

The trial continues on Tuesday. - Mkini