PETALING JAYA: Datuk Dr Mohd Radzi Md Jidin has rejected the defamatory allegations that he received millions of ringgit in kickback on a pre-school book project. In a video posted on his Facebook account on Sunday (Sept 24), the former education minister denied the allegations that he and his wife were connected to J-Qaf, the company awarded the pre-school print project through direct negotiation, and received RM80mil in return. The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has arrested two suspects, including Radzi’s former political secretary, in relation to the investigation.
Radzi dismissed the claims that his wife is a member of a royal family with a “Tengku” title and had links with the company awarded the project. He clarified that his wife’s name is Balkis binti Datuk Syeikh Haji Zakaria bin Haji Ahmad Wan Besar, and she is the daughter of Zakaria, a senior religious scholar in Kedah known for his books and radio appearances.
“The accusations against me and my wife are completely defamatory, and I urge the accuser to approach me and seek forgiveness,” Radzi stated in the video. He emphasized that his wife never interfered in his role as education minister, even when she inquired about school reopening during the Covid-19 pandemic, he directed her to wait for the official statement on TV.
Radzi firmly stated that the accuser will have to face consequences for their actions in the afterlife, despite potentially finding satisfaction in their heinous act. He defended his innocence regarding the alleged kickback and denied any personal involvement with J-Qaf or receiving RM80mil.
The case came to light after the MACC’s investigation led to the arrest of Radzi’s former political secretary. The commission has been probing the allegations of corruption surrounding the pre-school book project.
The former education minister’s denial extended to the claims about his wife’s royal lineage and association with the project’s company. Radzi provided the details of his wife’s identity, emphasizing her father’s reputable background as a religious scholar.
“The defamatory accusations undermine my reputation. I advise the accuser to seek reconciliation with me by approaching me directly,” Radzi added.
Throughout his tenure as education minister, Radzi maintained that his wife never influenced his decision-making or actions in any capacity.
Credit: The Star : News Feed
