Prosecution trying to confuse and trap me, Zahid tells court

 

Ahmad Zahid Hamidi (centre) faces 47 charges of CBT, corruption and money laundering involving tens of millions of ringgit belonging to Yayasan Akalbudi. (Bernama pic)

KUALA LUMPUR: Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has accused the prosecution in his corruption trial of attempting to confuse and trap him by repeatedly asking the same question on donations received on behalf of Yayasan Akalbudi from individuals and corporate organisations.

The former deputy prime minister told deputy public prosecutor Harris Ong Mohd Jeffery Ong he would not know the identities of donors based on copies of cheques shown to him.

“The contributions were made for religious and charitable purposes. It is immoral to ask who the donors are. The same question has been asked since yesterday to trap me,” he said during the prosecution’s cross-examination.

Harris was challenging Zahid that he did not know who the donors were because the cheques were proceeds from unlawful activities.

The DPP’s question was in relation to 11 cheques for a total of RM3.8 million that Zahid passed over to legal firm Lewis & Co to be kept in a client’s account since the firm was appointed the trustee of the foundation.

The RM3.8 million is one of the 27 money laundering charges amounting to a total of RM65 million faced by the Umno president.

Harris rejected Zahid’s accusation, saying the prosecution and the former deputy prime minister were in court to seek justice and, as such, the facts must be presented for the court to make a finding.

“We are here to seek justice. You are innocent until proven guilty. The facts must be presented,” he said.

Zahid’s lead counsel, Hisyam Teh Poh Teik, stood up and said that it was best left for submissions.

However, trial judge Collin Lawrence Sequerah said Harris’ comment was in response to Zahid’s accusation.

“But you have made your point, move on,” the judge told Harris.

Zahid is facing 47 charges – 12 for breach of trust, eight for corruption and 27 for money laundering – involving tens of millions of ringgit belonging to Yayasan Akalbudi.

On Jan 24, the court ordered him to enter his defence on all the charges after the prosecution succeeded in proving a prima facie case.

The hearing continues. - FMT