Zahid's minuted comment on contract extension for visa system supplier not an instruction, court told

SHAH ALAM: Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi's minuted comment on the contract extension for Ultra Kirana Sdn Bhd (UKSB) in implementing the government’s Foreign Visa System (VLN) was not a directive, the High Court here has heard.

Former Home Ministry secretary-general Tan Sri Alwi Ibrahim said based on the minutes recorded on Oct 18, 2016 and sent to him, Ahmad Zahid agreed to the extension.

"The minutes read: ‘Datuk Seri KSU/ Datuk PUU, I have no objection to the contract extension of six months until Aug 31, 2025, as stated in article 2.2.1 of the existing agreement. Please prepare the supplementary agreement soonest possible’,” he told the court on Thursday (Feb 3).

To a question by Datuk Ahmad Zaidi Zainal who represented the former deputy prime minister, on paragraph 10 of the witness statement, Alwi, 63, agreed that Ahmad Zahid’s comment in the recorded minutes was not an instruction but he was only agreeing to the extension.

Ahmad Zaidi: What did Tan Sri (Alwi) understand by the minutes (saying) 'soonest possible'?

Alwi: My understanding was that it must be done fast.

Ahmad Zaidi: How fast? One, two weeks?

Alwi: It would depend on the contract.

Alwi also agreed with Ahmad Zaidi that although the minutes said "soonest possible", the extension was still subject to Home Ministry procedures.

Ahmad Zahid, 69, is facing 33 charges of receiving bribes amounting to SGD13.56mil from UKSB as inducement for himself, as an official of a public body namely home minister, to extend the contract of the company as well as retain the agreement to supply the VLN integrated system.

On seven other charges, Ahmad Zahid is alleged, as the same minister, to have obtained for himself SGD1.15mil, RM3mil, 15,000 Euros and US$15,000 from UKSB that had links with his official duties.

The hearing before judge Datuk Mohd Yazid Mustafa will continue on March 7. – Bernama