Thursday 28 Mar 2024
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KUALA LUMPUR (Aug 4): Former education minister Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid has denied seeking a RM60 million bribe from Jepak Holdings Sdn Bhd in relation to the solar hybrid project for rural schools in Sarawak.

In a statement, he said he was “shocked” and “upset” that prosecution witness Rayyan Radzwill Abdullah had agreed to suggestions by the defence in Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor’s graft trial stating that he had asked for the kickbacks through an individual named Mohd Fuad Yasin and a written agreement concerning the transaction was prepared.

“I have denied the accusations when I was called as a witness and had given a statement at the court earlier during the trial.

“Honestly, I was offended by the reports I had read. It appears to be an attempt to damage my image and reputation in the eyes of the people. These reports have badly affected the jobs entrusted to me,” he said.

Mahdzir added that he is seeking legal advice from his lawyer and will take the necessary actions to preserve his good name and interests.

“I cannot decide on any legal action yet as I do not know what Rayyan will say in court and I have asked my lawyer to request for an explanatory note from the court before I comment any further on the matter.

He, however, urged the public and press to not form any assumptions or impressions on him based on a limited source of information.

“I am confident that the court’s function is to determine if a fact is valid and correct, in relation to statements given by any witnesses in a trial.

“All parties, including myself, should respect the function and not pre-empt the court in this matter,” he said.

Yesterday, Rayyan — who was a consultant for Jepak — had agreed to suggestions by Rosmah’s lawyers that millions of ringgit were paid to Mahdzir and Pekan Umno Secretary Datuk Ahmad Aazmey Abu Talib for helping Jepak to secure the RM1.25 billion solar hybrid project in 2016.

He also concurred with the defence that Mahdzir, who is also MP for Pekan Terap, had asked for a contribution equivalent to a fifth of the project’s value.

However, Rayyan was not able to verify the suggestion that the lawmaker had asked for RM1 million per month for 60 months.

Rosmah has been accused of receiving RM5 million and RM1.5 million from Jepak managing director Saidi Abang Samsudin 2016 and 2017, in return for helping the company to secure the solar hybrid project.

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