Zahid paid me RM1.4m in cash, no records - contractor

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 (above).

"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. - Mkini