KUALA LUMPUR: The High Court was informed on Tuesday (Aug 22) that Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi (pic) discovered alternative funds to continue the Tuminah Hamidi Mosque construction project in Bagan Datuk, Perak, after the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) froze the Yayasan Akalbudi (YAB) account.
Ramli Ngah, the project manager, stated that he was aware of this development as it was discussed at the site of the RM43.7mil project. This information came to light during the cross-examination by Deputy Public Prosecutor Datuk Mohd Dusuki Mokhtar at Ahmad Zahid’s defence trial, where he is facing charges of breach of trust, corruption, and money laundering involving tens of millions of ringgit from YAB’s funds.
However, Ramli was not aware of the source of the alternative funding for the construction works. Ramli also confirmed that the construction of the mosque was based on an agreement between Noble Energy Construction Sdn Bhd (the contractor), Yayasan Restu, and Yayasan Al-Falah (the developer) prepared by the law firm Lewis & Co.
When questioned about why Yayasan Akalbudi was not included in the agreement, Ramli explained that it was beyond his knowledge and that he had never seen or read the agreement letter. Mohd Dusuki suggested that Yayasan Akalbudi should have been included in the agreement since the project was a noble contribution and need not be kept secret, but Ramli disagreed.
On Monday (Aug 21), Ramli revealed that the contractor did not receive payment for three months due to the freezing of Yayasan Akalbudi’s account by the MACC in mid-2018, which caused a delay in the project. However, the project resumed in early 2019 after obtaining approval from Yayasan Al-Falah, which belongs to Ahmad Zahid’s family.
In addition, Kamarulzaman Sampol, the village head of Sungai Keli in Hutan Melintang, Bagan Datuk, testified that Ahmad Zahid, as the member of parliament for Bagan Datuk, was known for constantly donating to charitable causes and the welfare of the locals. He cited examples of Zahid contributing RM100,000 for the renovation of Sekolah Agama Rakyat Sungai Keli in 2007, as well as providing funds for mosque roofing replacement, mosque fencing, and a dining hall at Maahad Tahfiz Al Quran Wal Qiraat Addin.
The trial before Judge Datuk Collin Lawrence Sequerah is ongoing. – Bernama
Credit: The Star : News Feed
