Rosmah's trial: Ex-education minister asked for RM60m ‘habuan’ - witness

ROSMAH TRIAL | Then education minister Mahdzir Khalid allegedly sought RM60 million habuan (reward) from Jepak Holdings for the approval for the RM1.25 billion solar hybrid project for 369 rural schools in Sarawak, the court heard today.

The testimony by Rayyan Radzwill Abdullah, the company’s former business partner, is in contrast with the denial given by Mahdzir when he testified as the prosecution witness in Rosmah Mansor’s corruption trial over the project.

Previously, on Feb 11 while under cross-examination, Mahdzir denied that he had given a green light on the project in return for RM1 million payment a month over a five-year period, totalling RM60 million.

During the cross-examination by Rosmah’s defence counsel Akberdin Abdul Kader at the Kuala Lumpur High Court this afternoon, 16th prosecution witness Rayyan claimed that initially, Mahdzir sought a habuan of 20 percent of the overall project from Jepak Holdings.

Rayyan told the court that Mahdzir had sought the 20 percent cut via the then minister’s alleged proxy, Md Fuad Yassin.

On Nov 5, 2018, it was reported that the MACC was seeking Md Fuad, 54, to assist in a probe into a case involving the supply of diesel and solar panel installation at 369 schools in Sarawak.

Akberdin: Due to his (Mahdzir) role in the project, he had asked 20 percent from Jepak as consideration or habuan for his help in the Jepak project?

Rayyan: Yes, through his friend, Fuad Yassin.

Akberdin: His proxy, is it not?

Rayyan: His friend.

Akberdin: Mr Md Fuad Yassin?

Rayyan: Yes.

Akberdin: As the quantum of 20 percent was too big, and that Saidi (Abang Samsudin, Jepak Holding’s managing director) had said this (amount) could not be entertained, when subjected to further discussion, the 20 percent was reduced to RM60 million over a five-year period, or RM1 million a month?

Rayyan: True.

The witness agreed with Akberdin’s assertion that based on media reports, Md Fuad had gone missing and is still being sought by the MACC to assist in the investigation into the Sarawak solar hybrid project.

Rayyan testified that he prepared the written agreement for the payment of the RM60 million around April 2016, and he claimed that the agreement involved Saidi and Md Fuad.

Akberdin: Did the MACC investigate you and Saidi over (allegation of) the money being asked by Mahdzir?

Rayyan: Yes.

Akberdin: The MACC recorded statement from you and Saidi?

Rayyan: Not sure if they recorded the statement but they did call (me and Saidi) to be questioned several times.

When Akberdin asked if Saidi had ever given RM40,000 to Mahdzir to pay for a hotel stay in Kuala Lumpur for Kedah Umno delegates, Rayyan alleged that the actual amount involved was around RM50,000.

Rayyan claimed that the payment was made during the period of the then ongoing solar hybrid project.

The witness also agreed with the lawyer that there were media reports that Mahdzir may be charged in court over the project.

On Nov 27, 2018, it was reported that Mahdzir may be charged in relation to the project.

Also during the trial today, Rayyan made an emotional declaration that he did not agree with the purported corrupt dealings swirling around the project and had even lodged a police report over the matter.

The witness claimed that he disagreed with what had transpired as he himself came from a poor background as his childhood was spent in squatter housing (rumah setinggan).

His voice breaking, Rayyan claimed that he and Saidi later had a fallout over the issue, especially when it came to the alleged oral agreement between them that Rayyan was to get RM10 million as part of his role as a consultant in the project.

“All the technical works, including presentation, were done by me. From the very beginning, I did not agree with the offers made to politicians but that Saidi (allegedly) said that this is how things are done.

“I came from a squatter housing (background), whereby sometimes the electricity supply was disrupted.

“Instead of giving (money) to politicians, it should instead be given to the area (constituency),” Rayyan said from the witness stand.

Proceedings before judge Mohamed Zaini Mazlan continues tomorrow morning.

Rosmah, the wife of former premier Najib Abdul Razak, is facing three charges pertaining to the alleged misappropriation of funds for the supply and installation of solar energy panels at 369 rural schools in rural Sarawak for the Education Ministry.

Rosmah faces one count of soliciting RM187.5 million and two charges of receiving a bribe of RM6.5 million from Saidi as a reward for helping the company secure the RM1.25 billion project obtained through direct negotiations with the ministry.- Mkini