Ku Nan RM2m trial: Driver can't recall cashing other cheques

Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor's former driver told the court today that the ex-minister had asked him to help cash an RM2 million cheque.

However, he could not recall other instances where he had cashed cheques for the BN secretary-general.

The prosecution alleged that the cheque from developer Aset Kayamas Sdn Bhd to Tengku Adnan owned Tadmansori Holdings Sdn Bhd, was a form of graft.

This was allegedly after Tengku Adnan asked Aset Kayamas owner Chai Kin Kong between RM5 million and RM6 million for by-election funds.

Nik Yahaya Nik Mustapha had served as the Putrajaya MP's driver for 24 years until June 2018,

In his witness statement, he said Tengku Adnan gave him the RM2 million cheque at his office on June 14, 2016.

The cheque was then cashed into Tadmansori's account the same day.

Nik Yahaya said it was he who wrote the Tadmansori account number, as well as his own phone number, at the back of the cheque.

During cross-examination by defence lead counsel Tan Hock Chuan (above), the driver-cum-bodyguard said Tengku Adnan was a generous man, but couldn't recall cashing other cheques for him.

Tan: Datuk Seri (Tengku Adnan) likes to help others?

Nik Yahaya: Yes, I agree.

Tan: He often gives cash contributions to help others?

Nik Yahaya: Yes, I agree.

Tan: As his driver and bodyguard, have you ever been asked to cash cheques at banks for Datuk Seri?

Nik Yahaya: I can't recall

Tan: Just in general, not a specific incident, but is it normal for your employer to ask you to cash cheques?

Nik Yahaya: I can't recall.

The ex-driver then told the court that he could not recall when the cheque was actually cashed.

Upon re-examination, Nik Yahaya revealed he only knows the cheque was deposited on July 14, 2016 because of the date written on the front.

Tengku Adnan is on trial in his capacity as then federal territories minister, for receiving the RM2 million from Chai.

Chai's Aset Kayamas company does business with Kuala Lumpur City Hall, which Tengku Adnan oversaw as minister.

The charge under Section 165 of the Penal Code carries a maximum two-year jail term or fine or both.

The trial at the Kuala Lumpur High Court continues tomorrow.  - Mkini