In the money-laundering and corruption trial of former Bersatu information chief Datuk Wan Saiful Wan Jan in connection with the Jana Wibawa project, 50 prosecution witnesses are set to testify, as reported by Deputy public prosecutor Rasyidah Murni Azmi during case management before Sessions Court judge Rozina Ayob. The proceedings will depend on cross-examinations by the defence due to the length of most witness statements. Rasyidah Murni, along with DPP Nor Diana Nor Azwa, is handling the case.
The Tasek Gelugor MP’s defense team, represented by lawyer Chetan Jethwani, has not yet received the witness statements from the prosecution but has received four bundles of related documents. The defense team hopes to receive the witness statements before the trial begins. The trial dates are maintained, with additional dates set on Aug 19 to 23, as ruled by Rozina.
Witnesses to be called include employees of banks and the Malaysian Companies Commission, as well as politicians. Wan Saiful, 47, is alleged to have solicited bribes from Lian Tan Chuan to help Nepturis Sdn Bhd secure the RM232mil Central Spine Road: Sertik to East Coast Highway Interchange project from the government at the pre-qualification stage.
He is also accused of accepting RM6,962,694.54 in cash for himself, through his company WSA Advisory Group Sdn Bhd’s CIMB Bank account, from the Maybank Islamic account belonging to Nepturis. The two offences were allegedly committed at the Royal Lake Club, Taman Tasik Perdana, and at CIMB Bank Bukit Tunku Branch.
Wan Saiful is also charged with 18 counts of money laundering, involving RM5.59mil, by transferring and using the illegal proceeds to pay for a Ford Ranger, making payments to the Malaysian National Sports Council and transferring money to several company accounts, including one belonging to Sinar Karangkraf Sdn Bhd. The offences were allegedly committed at CIMB Bank Bukit Tunku Branch, and the charges were framed under Section 4(1)(b) of the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001.
