KUALA LUMPUR: A visibly upset Ahmad Zahid Hamidi today burst out saying he hoped the deputy public prosecutor cross-examining him would one day become a minister to better understand the workings in a ministry.
However, DPP Abdul Malik Ayob retorted that he did not aspire to be one, to which Zahid responded that Malik was “not qualified” anyway.
The Umno president made the remark when Malik questioned him on how Profound Radiance Sdn Bhd had been appointed to manage the One Stop Centre (OSC) work permits processing system for Pakistani and Nepali workers.
Zahid said it was a collective decision made by home ministry officials at the time.
“Also, there were instructions from the then prime minister (Najib Razak),” he said.
Malik then referred to a document which had the signature of Zahid to indicate he gave the approval.
“Although I signed it, it was not my decision alone,” the former home minister said.
Malik: Who appointed Profound Radiance to manage the One Stop Centre (OSC) work permits processing system?
Zahid: I hope this DPP will one day become a minister to better understand the workings in a ministry.
Malik: I do not aspire to be one.
Zahid: Of course, you are also not qualified.
Trial judge Collin Lawrence Sequerah then instructed Zahid to reply to the question posed by Malik.
Zahid said the company’s appointment was made based on recommendations.
The former deputy prime minister is said to have received RM2 million from company director Azlan Shah Jaffril.
However, in his defence, he insisted that the money was a political donation, and not a bribe.
Zahid had said Azlan recorded the RM2 million as “political donation” and “charity” on a cheque because the 2018 general election was around the corner.
Zahid is standing trial on 47 charges of money laundering and criminal breach of trust (CBT) involving millions from Yayasan Akalbudi and accepting bribes for various projects during his tenure as the home minister.
Twelve of the charges are for CBT, eight for corruption and the remaining 27 for money laundering.
For the charges related to the OSC system, it is alleged that he received RM2 million from Azlan between Aug 3, 2017 and March 15, 2018.
The hearing continues. - FMT
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