The prosecution in Ahmad Zahid Hamidi's corruption trial has amended the 27th charge in the money laundering case against the former deputy prime minister.
The amendment saw an increase from the initial 30 cheques amounting to RM6,885,300.20, to 35 cheques with a new amount of RM7,511,250.20.
In the amended charge against Zahid, he was accused of instructing money changer Omar Ali Abdullah, between March and July 2016, to convert RM7,511,250.20 into 35 cheques.
The cheques were then allegedly handed over to Messrs Lewis & Co for purchase of a Maybank fixed deposit, whereby the money came from illegal activity.
Zahid pleaded not guilty when the new charge was read.
"I understand that this charge is to increase my punishment. Thank you. I plead not guilty," he said at the High Court in Kuala Lumpur today.
Last July, Omar, who is the prosecution's 81st witness, had testified that 35 cheques in the transaction to Lewis & Co were received from an unknown individual.
'Lawyer lodges report over viral message'
Meanwhile, Zahid's defence team informed that they lodged a police report over a viral message last week, said to be on a decision of a Bersatu Supreme Council meeting.
Lawyer Hisyam Teh Poh Teik said the message alleged there would be a stronger charge to be filed in the case against Zahid.
According to the message, the upcoming charge could be used as leverage for negotiations, aside from the supreme council urging for a decision to be made against Zahid before June so Bersatu could work with Umno in GE15.
"The defence has lodged a police report and we urge police to determine the legitimacy of the claims.
"Both the accused and the defence have full confidence in Your Honour," said Hisyam to High Court judge Collin Lawrence Sequerah at the start of the proceedings this morning.
Bersatu secretary-general Hamzah Zainudin had previously denied the viral message and pledged to take legal action against those found to spread it. - Mkini
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