KUALA LUMPUR: Former Education Minister Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid had to endure a harrowing time in court today deflecting all sorts of accusations by Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor’s lawyer.
He was not only left red faced after being described as the most corrupted politician but also had to deflect accusations of being a compulsive gambler who had flown to places like Macau, Singapore and London in private jets to fuel his addiction.
Worse still, Mahdzir was labelled by Rosmah’s lawyer Datuk Jagjit Singh as a backstabber who was throwing his client under the bus by testifying against her to save his own skin.
The senior criminal lawyer started off his cross -examination of the 60-year old Umno vice-president by accusing Mahdzir of demanding 20 per cent of the RM1.25 billion Solar Hybrid Project for 369 rural schools in Sarawak from Jepak Holdings Bhd managing director Saidi Abang Samsudin.
However, Mahdzir denied doing so only to find himself being accused of eventually settling for RM60 million from Saidi.
The money, Jagjit claimed was to be paid over a five year period with RM1 million per month going into Mahdzir’s pockets.
Mahdzir again denied this but Jagjit countered that he was not getting the figures from thin air and said he would show evidence of this as the trial proceeds.
“You initially asked for 20 per cent of the project cost which would have amounted to RM250 million but this was rejected.
“You then settled for RM60 million,” Jagjit said, before adding that this was why he considered Mahdzir as the most corrupt Education Minister since 1957.
There were some awkward moments when Mahdzir kept denying questions posed by Jagjit, prompting the latter to remind the Padang Terap member of parliament that he had taken an oath to tell the truth.
“You ambil sumpah jawab yang benar (you took an oath to tell the truth).
“Ingat, you kena jawab di akhirat nanti (remember you will be answerable in the hereafter),” he said, prompting Mahdzir to respond by saying he knew that.
Jagjit then went on to accuse Mahdzir of working together with Rosmah’s former aide Datuk Rizal Mansor - who was initially a co-accused in the case before charges against him were dropped - to solicit bribes from Jepak Holdings.
However, Mahdzir denied this and refuted accusations that he was also originally supposed to be charged with soliciting bribes in connection with the project.
Jagjit: There are two charges hanging over your head.
Mahdzir: I disagree
Jagjit: You are aware that Rizal was also charged but the Attorney General recanted the charges against him although he is a corrupt person…same as you
Mahdzir: I disagree
The lawyer also questioned Mahdzir about his relationship with Najib and Rosmah before going on to reveal that the former had at one time bought a Channel bag for Rosmah.
“However, now you are becoming Brutus and stabbing her in the back,” he said, to which Mahdzir again replied in the negative.
Jagjit then moved on to question Mahdzir on his travels in private jets before asking the latter whether he had flown to Macau, Singapore and London to gamble in casinos there.
Jagjit: You went to these places with the Alor Star Umno division chief and a Muda Development Authority (Mada) official.
Mahdzir: I disagree.
Jagjit: Have you rented private jets on your own?
Mahdzir: I disagree.
Mahdzir also denied that he had been informed by the Malaysian Anti Corruption Commission (MACC) that he was supposed to be charged with two offences on Nov 30, 2018.
Jagjit: You panicked after that and engaged a lawyer to strike a deal with the MACC
Mahdzir: Not true.
Jagjit: The same lawyer then struck a deal with the prosecution not to charge you and turned you into a star witness to implicate Najib and Rosmah. You will sing any song for the prosecution.
Mahdzir: I disagree.
Jagjit: In your attempt to deflect corruption charges against you, you have roped in Rosmah.
Mahdzir: I disagree.
Rosmah is on trial for soliciting RM187.5 million from Jepak Holdings to secure the hybrid project energy contract worth RM1.25 billion for the company.
She is accused of receiving RM5 million and another RM1.5 million in 2016 and 2017 respectively to ensure the company got the contract.
The trial before High Court judge Mohamed Zaini Mazlan continues.