KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin testified that there were no discussions between himself and two Public Mutual Berhad investment agents regarding the receipt of RM2.8mil linked to Felcra Berhad’s investment in the unit trust.
The Kinabatangan MP, who is the first defence witness, was testifying under examination by his lawyer M. Athimulan during the corruption trial, which implicates the politician and his wife, Datin Seri Zizie Izette Abdul Samad.
Athimulan: The prosecution suggests that it was, in fact, Datuk Seri who received the RM2.8mil through Datin Seri Zizie Izette, and your answer states it is incorrect, forming the very accusation you face.
Bung Moktar: Your Honour, this suggestion is entirely untrue. The facts I have presented over these past days clearly show there was no discussion, let alone any consultation or agreement to receive any gratification from Norhaili Ahmad Mokhtar or Madhi Abdul Hamid.
Bung Moktar, 65, further testified that he was unaware of any dealings between his wife and Public Mutual, maintaining that all accusations against him are baseless and unsupported by evidence.
Out of the loop: Bung Moktar (second from left) testified that there were no discussions, meetings or requests between himself and the unit trust agents concerning any commission. — Bernama
He also denied the prosecution’s suggestion that Norhaili had requested that the introductory fee of RM3mil be reduced to RM2.8mil.
The Sabah Barisan Nasional chairman clarified that this represented an unfounded assumption by the prosecution, as there had been no discussions, meetings or requests between himself and the unit trust agents concerning any commission.
Continuing under Athimulan’s examination, Bung Moktar disputed the prosecution’s claim that he subsequently directed the reduced fee of RM2.8mil to be managed by his wife.
“All of this is incorrect. I have stated only the truth in this court.
“Both witnesses (Norhaili and Madhi) were also questioned intensively by the prosecution, but they testified that there was no gift, discussion or instruction from me at any time for my wife to receive the money.
“These allegations are entirely fabricated by the prosecution,” he told the court.
On May 3, 2019, Bung Moktar, who was then the non-executive chairman of Felcra Berhad, was charged with two counts of receiving RM2.2mil and RM262,500 in bribes as inducement to secure approval for Felcra’s RM150mil investment in Public Mutual unit trusts.
He was accused of receiving the bribes from Madhi, a Public Mutual investment agent, through his wife, Zizie Izette, 46, at the Public Bank Berhad, Taman Melawati branch here, on June 12 and 19, 2015.
Bung Moktar also faces a separate charge of corruptly obtaining RM337,500 in cash from Norhaili, another Public Mutual investment agent, through the Public Ittikal Sequel Fund account registered under Zizie Izette’s name, for the same purpose.
The charges were framed under Section 17(a) of the MACC 2009 Act, which provides for a prison term of up to 20 years and a fine of not less than five times the value of the bribe or RM10,000, whichever is higher.
Zizie Izette faces three charges of abetting her husband in connection with the same matters at the same places, dates and times, under Section 28(1)(c) of the MACC Act.
The offence carries a maximum prison term of 20 years and a fine of not less than five times the value of the bribe or RM10,000, whichever is higher, if convicted.
The trial before Sessions Court Judge Rosli Ahmad will resume on Nov 27.
