Penang and Johor Umno, Upko received funds
KUALA LUMPUR: Penang and Johor Umno were yesterday named as among those which received funds from Datuk Seri Najib Razak.
The United Pasokmomogun Kadazandusun Murut Organisation (Upko), which was a former Barisan Nasional (BN) component party in Sabah, was also mentioned as one of those that received money from the former Umno president.
It was revealed that Penang Umno got RM1 million while Johor Umno received RM300,000.
The money was credited into the accounts on Feb 26, 2015, while Upko got its windfall of RM1 million on Feb 13, 2015.
This was exposed during Najib’s ongoing trial, where the former prime minister is accused of abusing RM42 million from SRC International Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB).
Najib listened attentively as the prosecution submitted one cheque after another for a witness to look at and verify.
“Yes, I can confirm that the cheques, which were issued from AmBank Islamic account number 2022011906, had been cashed out by the recipients,” said the witness, Badron Hisham Mohd.
The 45-year-old is a senior manager at AmBank Group cheque processing centre.
He was the fifth witness to take the stand, which has also entered its fifth day.
The morning session of proceedings yesterday saw Badron being presented with evidence in the form of cheques, which had been issued from Najib’s current accounts and that of SRC International.
The recipients included individuals, companies and also a law firm known to handle Umno’s affairs.
Those revealed to have received and cashed out the cheques were: VITAL Spire Sdn Bhd for RM240,000 on Jan 30, 2015; ZULQARNAIN & Co for RM2.5 million on Feb 2, 2015; CENTRE for Strategic Engagement for RM300,000 on Feb 8, 2015; LIM Soon Peng for RM238,914 on Feb 12, 2015;
ABS Trend master Sdn Bhd for RM100,000 on Feb 12, 2015; UPKO for RM1 million on Feb 13, 2015; TRUSTEES of Rumah Penyayang Tun Abdul Razak for RM400,000 on Feb 12, 2015;
SOLAR Shine Sdn Bhd for RM1 million on Feb 17, 2015;
ASMADI Abu Talib for RM50,000 on Feb 12, 2015; MANISAH Othman for RM13,800 on Feb 12, 2015; MOZ Malaysia Sdn Bhd for RM56,500 on Feb 12, 2015; BADAN Perhubungan Umno Negeri Pulau Pinang for RM1 million on Feb 26, 2015;
SYADILAH Enterprise for RM77,300 on Feb 24, 2015; and, UMNO Bahagian Johor Baru for RM300,000 on Feb 26, 2015. A cheque was issued under account number 2022011898 to: HAFARIZAM Wan Aishah Mubarak for RM3.5 million on Jan 21, 2015. Cheques were issued under SRC International Sdn Bhd to: IHSAN Perdana Sdn Bhd for RM20 million on Dec 12, 2014; and,
IHSAN Perdana Sdn Bhd for RM103,351.17 on March 9, 2015.
It was reported that Upko left the Sabah BN coalition a day after the 14th General Election.
Deputy public prosecutor Muhammad Saifuddin Hashim Musaini conducted the examination-in-chief and Badron was later cross-examined by Najib’s lead counsel, Tan Sri Muhammad Shafee Abdullah.
To a question, Badron said he had been working at the cheque processing unit of AmBank most of his banking career.
SHAFEE: You are aware of the impact of the Anti-Money Laundering Act (AMLA). Do you know what kind of mechanics are applied by the bank to ensure compliance? BADRON: As far as I know, the review of all suspicious transactions is done at the branch level. When there is an account with excess, we escalate it to the respective branches or relationship managers.
SHAFEE: What would you consider as big-amount transactions which required instructions or confirmation from a client when cheques are involved?
BADRON: When it is RM50,000 or more. SHAFEE: Who calls the client to verify? BADRON: Our staff at the cheque processing centre will be the ones to call. It is done through phone and is recorded.
SHAFEE: Can this call be made from personal phones like a Blackberry?
BADRON: As far as I know, it is not allowed. Staff are not provided with handphones to do security checks. They have to use a land line.
SHAFEE: I am not saying there are, but this (rule) is to prevent rogue bankers?
BADRON: Yes. Attorney-General Tommy Thomas had said during the trial opening earlier this month that the prosecution would prove Najib had abused his position and office to receive gratification monies.
He said the prosecution would establish that Najib had remitted and received money for unlawful activities.
He said evidence would show that personal cheques were issued for, among others, payment for renovation works for the accused’s residence in No. 11, Jalan Langgak Duta here and in Pekan, Pahang.
He said cheques were also issued to various BN component parties.
Najib is facing three counts of criminal breach of trust and one count of abuse of power over the misuse of funds amounting to RM42 million linked to SRC International.
He is also facing three money laundering charges over the funds.
He faces up to 20 years’ jail and fine.