A newly declassified report on the controversial littoral combat ship (LCS) project implicates Zainab Mohd Salleh in “dubious transactions” identified in the report.
The report also mentions that a certain Abdul Latiff Ahmad is her spouse, just hours after Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Abdul Latiff Ahmad denied allegations that Zainab is his wife.
“Thierry (Barrier) was holding one share, which he transferred to Abdul Latiff Ahmad. It is noted that Abdul Latiff is the spouse of Zainab,” read the report on a 2019 audit.
The forensic audit was ordered by Boustead Heavy Industries Corporation Bhd (BHIC) and undertaken by Alliance IFA (M) Sdn Bhd. It is the second of two audit reports that the cabinet ordered to be declassified on August 10.
In a brief statement posted on Facebook, Defence Minister Hishammuddin Hussien said BHIC has agreed to declassify the report, which is now posted on the Public Account Committee’s website.
Nevertheless, many parts of the report have been redacted, including several paragraphs that appear just before Abdul Latiff’s purported relationship with Zainab was mentioned.
Exhibits referenced in the report were also not included in the declassified document.
Commenting on the report, Umno Youth chief Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki asked who was telling the truth.
“It clearly says on page 96 of the document that Zainab is Abdul Latiff Ahmad’s wife.
“Who is lying? Latiff or the forensic audit report?” he said on Facebook.
Very weak denial
Earlier today, PKR deputy president Rafizi Ramli made good on his promise to name a “big shark” who is supposedly involved in the RM6 billion LCS scandal.
Citing an internal investigation, he alleged that Abdul Latiff’s second wife Zainab controls two companies, Alizes Marine and Alizes Marine Labuan, that were technical consultants for the project.
Rafizi claimed these companies lacked expertise, sent invoices for work that was not carried out and were appointed as spare parts suppliers through misrepresentation.
Abdul Latiff was previously a deputy defence minister with Umno but has since switched his allegiance to Bersatu.
He denied Zainab was his wife and vowed to cooperate with investigations.
Rafizi had dismissed Abdul Latiff’s denial as “very weak” and vowed to reveal documents tomorrow that would prove the minister’s ties with Zainab.
Meanwhile, the newly declassified report identifies Zainab as director of Sousmarin Armada Sdn Bhd, Alizes Marine, Alizes Marine Malta, and Alizes Marine Labuan.
“Our investigation has confirmed that (Sousmarin) was owned by the same person who impersonated Alizes Marine France by having a company named Alizes Marine Ltd Labuan to get the funds diverted through Singapore,” it said.
The report said more than RM23 million had been siphoned via three companies, of which RM8.26 million went through Sousmarin.
Fewer details, however, have been made public about Abdul Latiff’s alleged involvement in the scandal.
The report said Abdul Latiff was appointed as director of a company in 2015, while Broke resigned in 2017. The name of the company appears to have been redacted, but the context suggests it may be Ameris Group.
“After (Abdul Latiff’s) appointment, the paid-up capital was increased to RM350,002 represented by 350,002 shares, out of which 245,000 shares were held by Zainab, who is behind Alizes Marine Ltd and the balance by Abdul Latiff.
“Therefore, Thierry and his company would not be able to deny their role in this conspiracy of Ameris group and Zainab,” it said. - Mkini
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