KUALA LUMPUR: Datin Seri Zizie Izette Abdul Samad has told the Sessions Court that she never solicited "introductory fees" of RM2.8mil for referring two unit trust agents to Felcra Bhd.
The former actress, who was testifying in her defence trial for allegedly abetting her late husband Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin, said that she had considered many things before agreeing to accept the money from agents Norhaili Ahmad Mokhtar and Madhi Abdul Hamid.
"But I never asked for it," she said here on Thursday (March 5).
When cross-examined by deputy public prosecutor Mohd Fadhly Mohd Zamri, Zizie described Norhaili as "a friend and a financial advisor".
DPP Fadhly: Why would there be a need for introductory fee if one introduces her friend to her husband?
Zizie Izette: I'm sorry, you have to ask Norhaili that. She was the one who gave it to me. I never asked for it.
ALSO READ: Zizie Izette: I never told Bung Moktar of RM2.8mil 'intro fee' as we kept finances separate
The court earlier heard that Zizie Izette was shocked to know she would be receiving RM2.8mil throught a phone call by Norhaili on June 11, 2015.
DPP Fadhly: I put it to you, when you received that phone call, you had no inkling to refuse the monetary gift.
Zizie Izette: Before I received it, I asked many times. Where is the money from, how... after I considered everything, I did not refuse.
DPP Fadhly: This is the first time in court you are saying that you did not refuse the money from Norhaili.
Zizie Izette: After she convinced me, yes, I did not refuse the money.
DPP Fadhly: This is despite you knowing that the money comes from Felcra.
Zizie Izette: After considering everything, I agreed (to receive it).
DPP Fadhly: So you do know that the money was a bribe and not an introductory fee.
Zizie Izette: I disagree.
ALSO READ: Late Bung Moktar acquitted, Zizie’s trial to proceed
After her testimony was completed, her lawyer Datuk K. Kumaraendran told the court that the defence was closing its case.
Zizie Izette is the second defence witness to testify after Bung Moktar, who was acquitted of the charges following his death last year.
Zizie Izette is charged with three counts of abetting Bung Moktar, who was then the non-executive chairman of Felcra, in accepting RM2.2mil and RM262,500 from Madhi and a further RM337,500 Norhaili as inducement for Felcra's approval to invest RM150mil in Public Mutual unit trusts.
The offences were allegedly committed at Public Bank Taman Melawati Branch between 12.30pm and 5pm on June 12, 2015.
The trial is fixed for submissions before judge Rosli Ahmad on April 24.
