MACC to probe individuals named in Zahid’s trial

SHAH ALAM - The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has opened investigation papers against individuals whose names had recently cropped up during the corruption trial of Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

In a statement tonight, the anti-graft agency said through the testimonies of prosecution witnesses in the Shah Alam High Court, the individuals were said to have received money.

It also confirmed that there were several complaints lodged against the individuals whose names appeared in a ledger of payments which was submitted as evidence in court.

“Investigations will be carried out in accordance with the provisions under the MACC Act 2009,” it said.

Recently, the names of “ministers, politicians and government servants” cropped up during the former deputy prime minister’s ongoing trial involving the Foreign Visa System (VLN).

Among those named in a ledger as receiving cash from the firm that handled the VLN, Ultra Kirana Sdn Bhd (UKSB), were former prime minister Tan Sri Muhyddin Yassin, veteran politician Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal, Senior Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein, Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin, former foreign minister Datuk Seri Anifah Aman and former deputy foreign minister Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican.

Zahid's name was also recorded in the ledger under code names such as "z", "zh, "yb", "young boy", "mon" and "monster".

The ledger contained details of payments made by UKSB to several individuals between 2014 and 2018.

Yesterday (Friday), Muhyiddin denied having received RM1.3 million from UKSB, as alleged in the trial.

He also said he was ready to be investigated by the MACC over the allegation.

Zahid, 69, is facing 33 charges of receiving bribes amounting to SG$13.56 million from UKSB for himself as then home minister to extend the contract of the company as the operator of one stop centre service in China and the VLN system as well as to maintain the contract agreement to supply the VLN integrated system to the same company by the Home Ministry.

For another seven counts, he was charged with obtaining for himself SG$1,150,000, RM3 million, Euro15,000 and US$15,000 from the same company which has official links with his official duty.

He was charged with committing all the offences at Seri Satria, Precinct 16, Putrajaya, and Country Heights Kajang between October 2014 and March 2018.