Kuala lumpur: The High Court today heard testimony from Nepturis Sdn Bhd's managing director, Mohd Rizman Akum Khan, who confirmed that the company issued a RM1 million cheque to the political party Bersatu.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the cheque, dated February 16, 2022, was prepared and signed by Mohd Rizman upon the instruction of businessman Lian Tan Chuan, also known as TC Lian. Mohd Rizman stated that after signing the cheque, he returned it to TC Lian. This testimony was given during the trial of former prime minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, who faces seven charges related to abuse of power and money laundering.
Earlier proceedings revealed that Mohd Rizman and Nepturis director Aliza Abd Malek took over the company from TC Lian in 2018, each holding a 50 percent stake. However, it was disclosed that TC Lian maintained a 30 percent interest in Nepturis through capital injections from his company, Metrasys Sdn Bhd.
When questioned by defence lawyer Datuk Amer Hamzah Arshad about whether the RM1 million was a bribe, Mohd Rizman expressed uncertainty, suggesting only TC Lian could clarify the cheque's purpose. During re-examination by Deputy Public Prosecutor Datuk Wan Shaharuddin Wan Ladin, Mohd Rizman reiterated that only TC Lian could confirm whether the cheque was a donation or remuneration.
The court also examined a letter from Nepturis to Muhyiddin regarding a RM141 million project for the North Klang district police headquarters. Mohd Rizman testified that the letter was addressed to the former prime minister under TC Lian's instructions. He confirmed the project had been secured by Nepturis.
Judicial Commissioner Noor Ruwena Md Nurdin inquired why TC Lian's shareholding was not declared with the Companies Commission of Malaysia. Mohd Rizman explained it was a strategic business decision, noting that Metrasys could not participate in government projects as it was not fully Bumiputera-owned. He emphasized that Nepturis retained its Bumiputera status despite TC Lian's 30 percent stake.
Muhyiddin, 79, former prime minister and Bersatu president, is charged under Section 23(1) of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2009, accused of abusing his position to gain RM225.3 million for Bersatu in connection with the Jana Wibawa programme. Additionally, he faces charges under the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001 involving RM200 million allegedly deposited into Bersatu's accounts.
If convicted, the charges carry maximum prison terms of 20 and 15 years, along with fines. The trial is scheduled to continue on July 27.