Jepak MD denies protecting Mahdzir over kickback claims

ROSMAH TRIAL | Jepak Holdings managing director Saidi Abang Samsudin today denied protecting Padang Terap MP Mahdzir Khalid over claims that the former education minister received alleged kickbacks linked to the RM1.25 billion solar hybrid project.

During cross-examination by Rosmah Mansor's defence counsel Akberdin Abdul Kader at the Kuala Lumpur High Court this afternoon, Saidi (above) insisted that he had only signed an agreement with one Md Fuad Yassin.

Fuad was previously described during the trial as Mahdzir's alleged proxy but Saidi today insisted he was not aware of any links between the two.

"I am not protecting anyone. What I have said is the truth," said Saidi, the 17th prosecution witness.

He said this in response to Akberdin's suggestions that he attempted to cover-up certain facts due to close relations with Mahdzir.

Saidi earlier agreed to Akberdin's suggestions that Mahdzir had assisted Jepak to secure the contract, although he said "no" when asked if the latter had solicited kickbacks of RM250 million, or 20 percent, of the total project value.

"There is no such agreement," Saidi further said to Akberdin's suggestion that there was an agreement reached with Mahdzir to reduce the requested amount to RM60 million.

Akberdin also suggested the alleged amount was to be paid in RM1 million payments every month over the duration of a five-year contract.

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.

Throughout the hearing today, Saidi repeatedly said he had only agreed to pay the RM60 million to Fuad if the latter succeeded in securing a letter of agreement (LOA) for Jepak within one month.

"Fuad said to me, he can get the thing in one month. That's it [...] I'm a businessman, I don't like to waste my time on someone who cannot get the LOA for me," he stressed.

Akberdeen later suggested Saidi was attempting to cover-up the truth that the RM60 million promised in the agreement with Fuad was intended for Mahdzir (photo).

"The truth is the money is for Mahdzir Khalid," accused Akberdin, to which Saidi responded, "I don't know. I have taken my oath."

On Nov 5, 2018, it was reported that the MACC was seeking Md Fuad, 54, who remained at large.

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 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