The first phase of the Port Klang Free Zone (PKFZ) development project cost RM400mil, the Sessions Court heard Wednesday.
Port Klang Authority (PKA) legal adviser Fazilah Surkisah Mohammad, 46, said the first phase involved a high-tech office, transhipment facilities, light and medium industries, warehouse and other components, which was a part of the six development agreements signed by the PKA.
Fazilah added that the project was developed on land that the PKA had bought from Kuala Dimensi Sdn Bhd (KDSB).
She was the second prosecution witness to testify on the second day of the trial of former Kuala Dimensi project director Law Jenn Dong, 52, chief operating officer Stephen Abok, 52, and architect Bernard Tan Seng Swee, 49, of BTA Architect, who are accused involvement in the PKFZ financial scandal.
Kuala Dimensi was the turnkey developer for the PKFZ project while BTA Architect was the project consultant.
Law, Tan and Abok face multiple charges of cheating the PKA over electrical infrastructure work done for PKFZ.
The case came to light after the cost of developing the 400ha integrated cargo distribution hub ballooned from RM2bil to RM4.6bil.
During the examination-in-chief by deputy public prosecutor Dzulkifli Ahmad, Fazilah said the idea behind PKFZ was to emulate the success of Jebel Ali Free Zone in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
"The project was mooted by the then Transport Minister who went on a trip to Dubai in 1997.
"He had wanted the same concept for Port Klang, to turn it into a centre for cargo and to increase the volume and total of trade through Port Klang," she said.
Earlier, Companies Commission of Malaysia assistant registrar Salmah Hanum Ibrahim, 31, told the court that for information filed to the commission, it was common for a company to use its secretary's address as the company's business address.
When cross-examined by Laws defence counsel Tan Hock Chuan, Salmah confirmed that one Loh Yin Fun was the same secretary for four companies - Wijaya Baru Sdn Bhd, Valid Ventures Bhd, Free Zone Capital Bhd and PKFZ Sdn Bhd.
On Tuesday, Salmah testified that Kuala Dimensi and Wijaya Baru shared the same registered address in Kelana Jaya and same business address in Jalan Templer, Petaling Jaya.
She also agreed that Valid Ventures and Free Zone were fully owned by OSK Trustees Bhd.
On Nov 8, 2009, Law, Abok and Tan pleaded not guilty to 24 alternative charges of cheating OSK Trustees involving payment of RM116.85mil to Kuala Dimensi for two projects at PKFZ.
Abok and Tan pleaded not guilty to two other alternate charges of cheating OSK Trustees by dishonestly inducing OSK Trustees into believing that the 33KV system to Precinct 2 and Precinct 8 for the PKFZ project had been implemented.
The action resulted in OSK Trustees making payment of RM5.42mil to Kuala Dimensi.
Prior to this, Abok and Tan pleaded not guilty to two counts of cheating PKA by making false claims amounting to RM5.42mil on July 31 and Sept 21, 2007.
Tan and Law are charged with 24 counts of cheating PKA to obtain RM116.85mil for Kuala Dimensi involving two projects between June 30, 2006 and May 30, 2008.
Source : The Star
Previous News : KDSB fails to get civil suits resolved through arbitration
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Properties worth RM32mil seized in PKFZ scandal case
The Government has filed an application to forfeit assets belonging to nine companies and individuals, including Bintulu MP Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing, in a case related to the Port Klang Free Zone (PKFZ) scandal.
The assets, amounting to more than RM32mil in cash, six cheques worth RM5.49mil, and four pieces of land in Shah Alam, Klang and Kota Kinabalu, were seized by the authorities between Nov 25, 2009, and May 14, 2010.
In their application filed on Nov 23 last year, the Government sought for the movable and immovable assets to be forfeited under provisions of the Anti-Money Laundering and Anti-Terrorism Financing Act 2001, as these assets were proceeds from other offences.
High Court judge Justice Ghazali Cha has fixed Sept 27 to hear the application to allow for the exchange of further affidavits by parties in the case.
Besides Tiong, the other respondents named were Kuala Dimensi Sdn Bhd, Transshipment Megahub Bhd, Coastal Skyline Sdn Bhd, Wijaya Baru Aviation Sdn Bhd, Wijaya Baru Sdn Bhd, Wijaya Baru Construction Sdn Bhd, Law Ka Hing and Perbadanan Kemajuan Negeri Selangor.
The Federal Government was represented by deputy public prosecutor Anselm Charles Fernandis. Defence lawyers included Datuk K. Kumarendran, Datuk C. Vijayakumar and Shamsul Sulaiman.
The PKFZ has been embroiled in controversy over its cost. Originally estimated at less than RM2bil, the figure more than doubled to RM4.6bil in 2007, with an expected final tally of RM12.5bil.
Among those who have been charged for alleged criminal breach of trust over the matter are former Port Klang Authority (PKA) general manager Datin O.C. Phang, PKFZ developer Kuala Dimensi chief operating officer Stephen Abok, Bernard Tan of BTA Architect, and Kuala Dimensi former project manager Law Jenn Dong.
All have claimed trial.
Source : The Star
The assets, amounting to more than RM32mil in cash, six cheques worth RM5.49mil, and four pieces of land in Shah Alam, Klang and Kota Kinabalu, were seized by the authorities between Nov 25, 2009, and May 14, 2010.
In their application filed on Nov 23 last year, the Government sought for the movable and immovable assets to be forfeited under provisions of the Anti-Money Laundering and Anti-Terrorism Financing Act 2001, as these assets were proceeds from other offences.
High Court judge Justice Ghazali Cha has fixed Sept 27 to hear the application to allow for the exchange of further affidavits by parties in the case.
Besides Tiong, the other respondents named were Kuala Dimensi Sdn Bhd, Transshipment Megahub Bhd, Coastal Skyline Sdn Bhd, Wijaya Baru Aviation Sdn Bhd, Wijaya Baru Sdn Bhd, Wijaya Baru Construction Sdn Bhd, Law Ka Hing and Perbadanan Kemajuan Negeri Selangor.
The Federal Government was represented by deputy public prosecutor Anselm Charles Fernandis. Defence lawyers included Datuk K. Kumarendran, Datuk C. Vijayakumar and Shamsul Sulaiman.
The PKFZ has been embroiled in controversy over its cost. Originally estimated at less than RM2bil, the figure more than doubled to RM4.6bil in 2007, with an expected final tally of RM12.5bil.
Among those who have been charged for alleged criminal breach of trust over the matter are former Port Klang Authority (PKA) general manager Datin O.C. Phang, PKFZ developer Kuala Dimensi chief operating officer Stephen Abok, Bernard Tan of BTA Architect, and Kuala Dimensi former project manager Law Jenn Dong.
All have claimed trial.
Source : The Star
KDSB fails to get civil suits resolved through arbitration
Kuala Dimensi Sdn Bhd (KDSB) failed in its final attempt to get two civil suits filed against the company by Port Klang Authority (PKA) to recover RM920mil, resolved through arbitration.
Chief Judge of Malaya Tan Sri Arifin Zakaria chairing a three-man Federal Court panel denied KDSB leave to appeal against the order of the appellate court that the two suits be tried at the Shah Alam High Court.
Justice Arifin who sat on the panel with Justices Tan Sri Md Raus Sharif and Datuk Suriyadi Halim Omar unanimously dismissed KDSB's application with costs of RM30,000.
On Sept 25 2009, PKA slapped two suits on KDSB, the turnkey contractor for Port Klang Free Zone (PKFZ), over disputed claims for work done for controversial project.
In the first suit against KDSB, PKA sought a declaration that the increase in the annual interest rate in respect of a supplementary agreement for additional development work signed in April 2006 was null and void.
PKA also sued KDSB and the project's consultant, BTA Architect, concerning key development agreements and supplementary agreements signed between February 2003 and November 2006.
In this suit, PKA had sought, among others, remedies, declaratory orders and damages against both defendants.
On June 7 last year, the Shah Alam High Court granted KDSB's application to stay the court proceedings and to refer the matter to arbitration.
On Oct 1 last year, the appellate court reversed the decision after allowing PKA's appeal and ordered that the suits to be resolved via full trial in court and not through arbitration. - Bernama
Source : The Star
Chief Judge of Malaya Tan Sri Arifin Zakaria chairing a three-man Federal Court panel denied KDSB leave to appeal against the order of the appellate court that the two suits be tried at the Shah Alam High Court.
Justice Arifin who sat on the panel with Justices Tan Sri Md Raus Sharif and Datuk Suriyadi Halim Omar unanimously dismissed KDSB's application with costs of RM30,000.
On Sept 25 2009, PKA slapped two suits on KDSB, the turnkey contractor for Port Klang Free Zone (PKFZ), over disputed claims for work done for controversial project.
In the first suit against KDSB, PKA sought a declaration that the increase in the annual interest rate in respect of a supplementary agreement for additional development work signed in April 2006 was null and void.
PKA also sued KDSB and the project's consultant, BTA Architect, concerning key development agreements and supplementary agreements signed between February 2003 and November 2006.
In this suit, PKA had sought, among others, remedies, declaratory orders and damages against both defendants.
On June 7 last year, the Shah Alam High Court granted KDSB's application to stay the court proceedings and to refer the matter to arbitration.
On Oct 1 last year, the appellate court reversed the decision after allowing PKA's appeal and ordered that the suits to be resolved via full trial in court and not through arbitration. - Bernama
Source : The Star
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Heavy price for cop who sought bribe
A traffic policeman who asked for a RM180 bribe paid a heavy price when he was jailed and fined by the Sessions Court.
Kpl Nordin Muhamad Nor, from Perak and attached with the Kota Setar traffic police headquarters, was found guilty of asking for the bribe from one Koo Shu Shan.
The money was an inducement for Kpl Nordin not to issue Koo a summons for riding a motorcycle without a licence and with an expired road tax.
Kpl Nordin was found guilty of committing the offence at a roadblock on Jalan Teluk Wanjah, here, at about 2.45pm on Nov 1, 2008.
Kpl Nordin was jailed for 14 days and fined RM10,000 in default a month’s jail.
Source : The Star
Kpl Nordin Muhamad Nor, from Perak and attached with the Kota Setar traffic police headquarters, was found guilty of asking for the bribe from one Koo Shu Shan.
The money was an inducement for Kpl Nordin not to issue Koo a summons for riding a motorcycle without a licence and with an expired road tax.
Kpl Nordin was found guilty of committing the offence at a roadblock on Jalan Teluk Wanjah, here, at about 2.45pm on Nov 1, 2008.
Kpl Nordin was jailed for 14 days and fined RM10,000 in default a month’s jail.
Source : The Star
Friday, June 24, 2011
Trio linked to ‘lesen terbang’ syndicate held
Three men linked to a “lesen terbang” syndicate have been arrested by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).
The men, aged between 26 and 42 years, are linked to the syndicate, which takes bribes for falsifying computerised drivers exam results.
In a statement yesterday, the MACC said students who paid bribes to the syndicate were able to pass the test despite not even attending it.
The syndicate is said to be active in driving schools throughout the Klang Valley.
All three, who have been remanded for five days until June 27, will be investigated under Section 16(b)(A) of the MACC Act.
The Act carries a jail term of up to 20 years and a fine not less than five times the value of the bribe or RM10,000, whichever is higher.
Meanwhile, Road Transport Department (JPJ) director-general Datuk Solah Mat Hassan said it was looking into the matter seriously.
He said his department conducted random checks nationwide from time to time, including joint operations with the police and the MACC.
“We are in the midst of updating the particulars of the candidates allegedly implicated in the lesen terbang scam,” he said in a statement here yesterday.
Source : The Star
The men, aged between 26 and 42 years, are linked to the syndicate, which takes bribes for falsifying computerised drivers exam results.
In a statement yesterday, the MACC said students who paid bribes to the syndicate were able to pass the test despite not even attending it.
The syndicate is said to be active in driving schools throughout the Klang Valley.
All three, who have been remanded for five days until June 27, will be investigated under Section 16(b)(A) of the MACC Act.
The Act carries a jail term of up to 20 years and a fine not less than five times the value of the bribe or RM10,000, whichever is higher.
Meanwhile, Road Transport Department (JPJ) director-general Datuk Solah Mat Hassan said it was looking into the matter seriously.
He said his department conducted random checks nationwide from time to time, including joint operations with the police and the MACC.
“We are in the midst of updating the particulars of the candidates allegedly implicated in the lesen terbang scam,” he said in a statement here yesterday.
Source : The Star
Driver and attendant nabbed in oil palm bribe
A driver and his attendant were arrested for allegedly trying to bribe a Felda auxiliary policeman to allow them to take out oil palm from an estate here.
It is learnt that during the incident which occured at 8pm on Wednes- day, the two men in their 30s handed over RM200 to the policeman and asked him to let them pass.
The policeman refused and arrested them prior to handing them over to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).
Johor MACC director Simi Abdul Ghani, who confirmed the case, said that investigations were being carried out under Section 17 (b) of the MACC Act for bribing a public official.
In another case, the state Immi-gration Department has foiled an attempt by a group of Pakistani illegal immigrants to sneak out of the country to Australia.
The eight were detained at Tan-jung Leman near Kota Tinggi in a joint operation by the department, MACC and the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency at 2.30pm on Wednesday.
State immigration enforcement unit chief Masri Abdul said his officers detained the Pakistanis, aged between 30 and 45, in a wooden hut in a jungle area near Tanjung Leman beach.
He added that the area was suspected to have been used as a transit point for illegal immigrants before they were transported out of the country through a hidden trail.
Masri said about 200 illegal immigrants attempted to sneak out but only eight were detained. The rest escaped into the nearby jungle when they were alerted of the raid.
Those arrested had fake passports, visas and travel documents.
Source : The Star
It is learnt that during the incident which occured at 8pm on Wednes- day, the two men in their 30s handed over RM200 to the policeman and asked him to let them pass.
The policeman refused and arrested them prior to handing them over to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).
Johor MACC director Simi Abdul Ghani, who confirmed the case, said that investigations were being carried out under Section 17 (b) of the MACC Act for bribing a public official.
In another case, the state Immi-gration Department has foiled an attempt by a group of Pakistani illegal immigrants to sneak out of the country to Australia.
The eight were detained at Tan-jung Leman near Kota Tinggi in a joint operation by the department, MACC and the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency at 2.30pm on Wednesday.
State immigration enforcement unit chief Masri Abdul said his officers detained the Pakistanis, aged between 30 and 45, in a wooden hut in a jungle area near Tanjung Leman beach.
He added that the area was suspected to have been used as a transit point for illegal immigrants before they were transported out of the country through a hidden trail.
Masri said about 200 illegal immigrants attempted to sneak out but only eight were detained. The rest escaped into the nearby jungle when they were alerted of the raid.
Those arrested had fake passports, visas and travel documents.
Source : The Star
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Prosecution rests its case
The prosecution in the corruption trial of former Selangor mentri besar Dr Mohd Khir Toyo closed its case after calling 25 witnesses in nine days.
The last witness to take the stand was investigating officer Chang Ching from the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).
Justice Mohtarudin Baki fixed July 13 for submissions.
Dr Khir, 45, is charged with obtaining for himself and his wife Zahrah Kechik, two plots of land and a house in Jalan Suasa 7/1L here from Ditamas Sdn Bhd, through its director Shamsuddin Hayroni for RM3.5mil, a sum much lower than the original price. Ditamas had bought the lots on Dec 23, 2004, for RM6.5mil.
The offence was allegedly committed at the Mentri Besar’s official residence on May 29, 2007.
The Sungai Panjang assemblyman faces a two-year jail term, fine or both, under Section 165 of the Penal Code, upon conviction.
Chang earlier testified that Ditamas, established in 2004, was founded for the sole purpose of buying the two plots of land and the bungalow in Section 7 here.
He was answering questions during an examination-in-chief by Deputy Public Prosecutor Mohd Dusuki Mokhtar, who queried on the company’s nature of business.
Chang also said that the MACC had only one suspect from the beginning of the investigation.
“After the investigation was closed, I sent the papers to the Attorney-General’s Chambers, who decided to charge both Dr Khir and Shamsuddin,” he said.
Shamsuddin was acquitted of abetting Dr Khir on June 6 and was called to testify as a prosecution witness.
Source : The Star
Previous Related News : ‘Khir took a RM3mil loan’
The last witness to take the stand was investigating officer Chang Ching from the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).
Justice Mohtarudin Baki fixed July 13 for submissions.
Dr Khir, 45, is charged with obtaining for himself and his wife Zahrah Kechik, two plots of land and a house in Jalan Suasa 7/1L here from Ditamas Sdn Bhd, through its director Shamsuddin Hayroni for RM3.5mil, a sum much lower than the original price. Ditamas had bought the lots on Dec 23, 2004, for RM6.5mil.
The offence was allegedly committed at the Mentri Besar’s official residence on May 29, 2007.
The Sungai Panjang assemblyman faces a two-year jail term, fine or both, under Section 165 of the Penal Code, upon conviction.
Chang earlier testified that Ditamas, established in 2004, was founded for the sole purpose of buying the two plots of land and the bungalow in Section 7 here.
He was answering questions during an examination-in-chief by Deputy Public Prosecutor Mohd Dusuki Mokhtar, who queried on the company’s nature of business.
Chang also said that the MACC had only one suspect from the beginning of the investigation.
“After the investigation was closed, I sent the papers to the Attorney-General’s Chambers, who decided to charge both Dr Khir and Shamsuddin,” he said.
Shamsuddin was acquitted of abetting Dr Khir on June 6 and was called to testify as a prosecution witness.
Source : The Star
Previous Related News : ‘Khir took a RM3mil loan’
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Taib denies allegations
Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud has denied allegations by the Bruno Manser Fund (BMF) that the Swiss government is investigating his assets held in Swiss banks.
Taib said he had no secret Swiss bank account or any assets or investments of any description in Switzerland.
He said he wrote to Swiss President Micheline Calmy-Ray last month asking her to confirm if she had ordered an investigation by the Swiss Financial Marketing Supervisory Authority as alleged by BMF and to furnish him with a copy of the allegation so that he could seek appropriate legal redress.
“I also pledged to render my fullest cooperation to the Swiss federation to swiftly bring the truth to light to nail all malicious reports,” he told the Sarawak Legislative Assembly when explaining the allegation yesterday morning.
The BMF had alleged on its website that the Swiss Financial Marketing Supervisory Authority agreed to investigate Taib's alleged assets in Swiss banks.
Taib added that the allegations by BMF were “utterly false and evidently politically motivated.”
He said BMF had a track record of making “scurrilous and scandalous” allegations against the state government.http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif
“Therefore BMF's false allegations about assets held in Switzerland by me are a continuation of their malicious efforts to smear the state, the Governmenhttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gift and the leaders,” he said.
Source : The Star
Previous News : Taib promises a ‘surprise’ for Opposition over timber probe
Taib said he had no secret Swiss bank account or any assets or investments of any description in Switzerland.
He said he wrote to Swiss President Micheline Calmy-Ray last month asking her to confirm if she had ordered an investigation by the Swiss Financial Marketing Supervisory Authority as alleged by BMF and to furnish him with a copy of the allegation so that he could seek appropriate legal redress.
“I also pledged to render my fullest cooperation to the Swiss federation to swiftly bring the truth to light to nail all malicious reports,” he told the Sarawak Legislative Assembly when explaining the allegation yesterday morning.
The BMF had alleged on its website that the Swiss Financial Marketing Supervisory Authority agreed to investigate Taib's alleged assets in Swiss banks.
Taib added that the allegations by BMF were “utterly false and evidently politically motivated.”
He said BMF had a track record of making “scurrilous and scandalous” allegations against the state government.http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif
“Therefore BMF's false allegations about assets held in Switzerland by me are a continuation of their malicious efforts to smear the state, the Governmenhttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gift and the leaders,” he said.
Source : The Star
Previous News : Taib promises a ‘surprise’ for Opposition over timber probe
Taib promises a ‘surprise’ for Opposition over timber probe
The Opposition is in for a “surprise” today when Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud breaks his silence on allegations of timber corruption against him.
Taib yesterday said he would tell his side of the story but gave no clue to what it could be, except that it would be unexpected.
He did not say when or where he would make his statement but it is believed that it would be in the State Legislative Assembly building where a sitting is currently in session.
“Yes, I will give an official statement tomorrow (today). They (the Opposition) are barking up the wrong tree. They will have a surprise tomorrow,” he said.
Reporters had asked Taib, who is also Planning and Resource Management Minister, if he would respond to the Opposition members, who would likely bring up the allegations against him during the sitting.
The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) had on June 6 confirmed that it was investigating Taib over allegations of timber corruption.
Its commissioner Datuk Seri Abu Kassim Mohamed said the commission was in the process of gathering more information regarding the matter following the decision of the Swiss Anti-Corruption Agency to freeze Taib's assets recently.
Meanwhile, Taib was uncertain if state and parliamentary constituencies in Sarawak would be redelineated.
He said it would depend on the population pattern and he was not sure if it would be done soon.
“It's up to the Election Commission (EC).
“Being an independent body, they will take the initiative to do things that they think is necessary,” he said after the opening of the State Legislative Assembly sitting here yesterday.
Source : The Star
Previous News : Group wants Taib investigated
Taib yesterday said he would tell his side of the story but gave no clue to what it could be, except that it would be unexpected.
He did not say when or where he would make his statement but it is believed that it would be in the State Legislative Assembly building where a sitting is currently in session.
“Yes, I will give an official statement tomorrow (today). They (the Opposition) are barking up the wrong tree. They will have a surprise tomorrow,” he said.
Reporters had asked Taib, who is also Planning and Resource Management Minister, if he would respond to the Opposition members, who would likely bring up the allegations against him during the sitting.
The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) had on June 6 confirmed that it was investigating Taib over allegations of timber corruption.
Its commissioner Datuk Seri Abu Kassim Mohamed said the commission was in the process of gathering more information regarding the matter following the decision of the Swiss Anti-Corruption Agency to freeze Taib's assets recently.
Meanwhile, Taib was uncertain if state and parliamentary constituencies in Sarawak would be redelineated.
He said it would depend on the population pattern and he was not sure if it would be done soon.
“It's up to the Election Commission (EC).
“Being an independent body, they will take the initiative to do things that they think is necessary,” he said after the opening of the State Legislative Assembly sitting here yesterday.
Source : The Star
Previous News : Group wants Taib investigated
‘Khir took a RM3mil loan’
Former Selangor mentri besar Dr Mohd Khir Toyo took a RM3mil bank loan to finance the purchase of two plots of land and a bungalow in Section 7 here, the High Court heard.
The loan was approved in May, 2007, said HSBC bank officer Chuah Yew Tean, 35, adding that the bank, through international property investment consultant Rahim & Co, made a valuation of RM3.5mil of the said properties.
Chuah, who was then the bank’s premier centre manager, told Justice Mohtarudin Baki that a senior manager referred him to assist a premier customer who wanted to purchase some properties.
He was informed that the customer was the Selangor Mentri Besar.
He then made a phone call to Dr Khir regarding the loan and the Sungai Panjang assemblyman told him that the purchase price of the properties were about RM3mil to RM3.5mil.
In explaining the bank’s term of “premier customers”, Chuah said a “premier customer” is a customer who has at least RM200,000 in a fixed deposit account at the bank.
Chuah was answering questions in an examination-in-chief by Deputy Public Prosecutor Mohd Dusuki Mokhtar on the eighth day of the corruption trial of Dr Khir, 45.
Dr Khir is charged with knowingly obtaining for himself and his wife Zahrah Kechik, two plots of land and a house in Lots 8 and 10,Jalan Suasa 7/1L here from Ditamas Sdn Bhd, through its director Shamsuddin, for RM3.5mil, which was much lower than the original price.
Ditamas had bought the lots on Dec 23, 2004, for RM6.5mil.
The offence was allegedly committed at the Mentri Besar’s official residence on May 29, 2007.
The court also heard a testimony from design consultant Noorizwandy Rajab, 33, who was appointed by freelance landscaper Nasir Ismail to become a project manager for the renovation work at the bungalow.
Noorizwandy, who earned RM5,000 monthly from the project, said:
“I drew the plan myself.
“It was a proposal to demolish and rebuild a double-storey bungalow.”
Source : The Star
Previous Related News : Ex-MB wrote support note for company, witness tells court
The loan was approved in May, 2007, said HSBC bank officer Chuah Yew Tean, 35, adding that the bank, through international property investment consultant Rahim & Co, made a valuation of RM3.5mil of the said properties.
Chuah, who was then the bank’s premier centre manager, told Justice Mohtarudin Baki that a senior manager referred him to assist a premier customer who wanted to purchase some properties.
He was informed that the customer was the Selangor Mentri Besar.
He then made a phone call to Dr Khir regarding the loan and the Sungai Panjang assemblyman told him that the purchase price of the properties were about RM3mil to RM3.5mil.
In explaining the bank’s term of “premier customers”, Chuah said a “premier customer” is a customer who has at least RM200,000 in a fixed deposit account at the bank.
Chuah was answering questions in an examination-in-chief by Deputy Public Prosecutor Mohd Dusuki Mokhtar on the eighth day of the corruption trial of Dr Khir, 45.
Dr Khir is charged with knowingly obtaining for himself and his wife Zahrah Kechik, two plots of land and a house in Lots 8 and 10,Jalan Suasa 7/1L here from Ditamas Sdn Bhd, through its director Shamsuddin, for RM3.5mil, which was much lower than the original price.
Ditamas had bought the lots on Dec 23, 2004, for RM6.5mil.
The offence was allegedly committed at the Mentri Besar’s official residence on May 29, 2007.
The court also heard a testimony from design consultant Noorizwandy Rajab, 33, who was appointed by freelance landscaper Nasir Ismail to become a project manager for the renovation work at the bungalow.
Noorizwandy, who earned RM5,000 monthly from the project, said:
“I drew the plan myself.
“It was a proposal to demolish and rebuild a double-storey bungalow.”
Source : The Star
Previous Related News : Ex-MB wrote support note for company, witness tells court
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Blackmailing cops nabbed
Four police constables were arrested for allegedly trying to extort money from a businessman.
The man had lodged a police report on June 16, claiming he was blackmailed by a group of police personnel, said city acting police chief Senior Assistant Commisioner Datuk Amar Singh.
“The following day, police from the Sentul police district arrested four police personnel aged between 28 and 34,” SAC Amar Singh said in a statement yesterday.
The personnel have since been remanded until June 21.
He added that a 27-year-old man was also detained.
It is learnt that the businessman in his 30s was being blackmailed of several thousand ringgit by the four constables one of them a woman who had threatened to frame him for a crime he did not commit.
It is also learnt that the personnel are attached to the Sentul police district narcotics unit.
They were arrested by the same district police Criminal Investigations Unit (CID) .
Source : The Star
The man had lodged a police report on June 16, claiming he was blackmailed by a group of police personnel, said city acting police chief Senior Assistant Commisioner Datuk Amar Singh.
“The following day, police from the Sentul police district arrested four police personnel aged between 28 and 34,” SAC Amar Singh said in a statement yesterday.
The personnel have since been remanded until June 21.
He added that a 27-year-old man was also detained.
It is learnt that the businessman in his 30s was being blackmailed of several thousand ringgit by the four constables one of them a woman who had threatened to frame him for a crime he did not commit.
It is also learnt that the personnel are attached to the Sentul police district narcotics unit.
They were arrested by the same district police Criminal Investigations Unit (CID) .
Source : The Star
Ex-MB wrote support note for company, witness tells court
Former Selangor mentri besar Dr Mohd Khir Toyo wrote a note on an application by Roniaga Sdn Bhd to support its bid to enter into a joint venture with the Selangor State Development Corporation (PKNS), the High Court heard.
Former PKNS general manager Datuk Harun Salim, 62, told Justice Mohtarudin Baki yesterday that he knew it was Dr Khir’s handwriting as he was “quite familiar” with his signature.
He said the note on the document dated Oct 30, 2000, said: “Permohonan disokong dan harap tiada halangan” (The application is approved and hopefully, there won’t be any obstacle).
Harun, now a pensioner, added that the application from Roniaga – owned by Ditamas Sdn Bhd director Shamsuddin Hayroni – was for a joint venture project to develop an area in Section 3 Tambahan in Bandar Baru Bangi into a university city.
He was testifying at the trial of Dr Khir, 45, who is charged with knowingly obtaining for himself and his wife Zahrah Kechik, two plots of land and a house in Lots 8 and 10, Jalan Suasa 7/1L here from Ditamas, through its director Shamsuddin for RM3.5mil, which was much lower than the original price.
Ditamas had bought the lots on Dec 23, 2004, for RM6.5mil.
The offence was allegedly committed at the Mentri Besar’s official residence on May 29, 2007.
Harun also testified that Dr Khir had supported another application by Roniaga asking for PKNS to consider its terms and conditions regarding a performance bond in the project.
He said Dr Khir had written another note that Roniaga was a bumiputra company with a good track record and did not pose problems.
The PKNS project privatisation committee then agreed to replace the bond with a director’s guarantee, added Harun.
He said Dr Khir had also supported Roniaga’s third application for a deadline extension when it could not complete the joint venture project on time.
“The deadline extension letter was dated May 15, 2006, when the project was expected to be completed on May 8 the same year.
“Roniaga applied for a three-year extension, pushing the deadline to Dec 31, 2009. However, when the application was brought to the project privatisation committee, the extension was only approved for two years, which is until 2008,” said Harun.
During cross-examination by defence counsel M. Athimulan, Harun agreed that the committee had made the decisions over the applications and Dr Khir only served as a chairman.
He said Dr Khir had no involvement in the joint venture agreement between PKNS and Roniaga.
Source : The Star
Previous Related News : Khir Toyo trial: Ditamas director denies buying property to gain favours
Former PKNS general manager Datuk Harun Salim, 62, told Justice Mohtarudin Baki yesterday that he knew it was Dr Khir’s handwriting as he was “quite familiar” with his signature.
He said the note on the document dated Oct 30, 2000, said: “Permohonan disokong dan harap tiada halangan” (The application is approved and hopefully, there won’t be any obstacle).
Harun, now a pensioner, added that the application from Roniaga – owned by Ditamas Sdn Bhd director Shamsuddin Hayroni – was for a joint venture project to develop an area in Section 3 Tambahan in Bandar Baru Bangi into a university city.
He was testifying at the trial of Dr Khir, 45, who is charged with knowingly obtaining for himself and his wife Zahrah Kechik, two plots of land and a house in Lots 8 and 10, Jalan Suasa 7/1L here from Ditamas, through its director Shamsuddin for RM3.5mil, which was much lower than the original price.
Ditamas had bought the lots on Dec 23, 2004, for RM6.5mil.
The offence was allegedly committed at the Mentri Besar’s official residence on May 29, 2007.
Harun also testified that Dr Khir had supported another application by Roniaga asking for PKNS to consider its terms and conditions regarding a performance bond in the project.
He said Dr Khir had written another note that Roniaga was a bumiputra company with a good track record and did not pose problems.
The PKNS project privatisation committee then agreed to replace the bond with a director’s guarantee, added Harun.
He said Dr Khir had also supported Roniaga’s third application for a deadline extension when it could not complete the joint venture project on time.
“The deadline extension letter was dated May 15, 2006, when the project was expected to be completed on May 8 the same year.
“Roniaga applied for a three-year extension, pushing the deadline to Dec 31, 2009. However, when the application was brought to the project privatisation committee, the extension was only approved for two years, which is until 2008,” said Harun.
During cross-examination by defence counsel M. Athimulan, Harun agreed that the committee had made the decisions over the applications and Dr Khir only served as a chairman.
He said Dr Khir had no involvement in the joint venture agreement between PKNS and Roniaga.
Source : The Star
Previous Related News : Khir Toyo trial: Ditamas director denies buying property to gain favours
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Khir Toyo trial: Ditamas director denies buying property to gain favours
Ditamas Sdn Bhd director Shamsuddin Hayroni denied he tried to gain favours from former Selangor Mentri Besar Dr Mohd Khir Toyo when he bought two plots of land and a bungalow in Section 7 for RM6.5mil in 2004.
The 54-year-old key witness said Wednesday that he did not see the purchase as an opportunity when he found out from Datuk Sumadi Ismail that Dr Mohd Khir was interested in the properties.
Sumadi was responsible in introducing potential buyers to previous owner Saiful Aznir Shahabudin.
Shamsuddin was answering questions from defence counsel Kamarul Hisham Kamaruddin during a cross-examination on the fifth day of the corruption trial of Dr Mohd Khir, 45, who is accused of knowingly obtaining for himself and his wife, two plots of land and a house located in Lots 8 and 10, Jalan Suasa 7/1L here, from Ditamas through Shamsuddin, for RM3.5mil, which was much lower than the original price.
Ditamas had bought the lots on Dec 23, 2004, for RM6.5mil.
Shamsuddin also denied suggestion that he was the one who initiated contact with Dr Mohd Khir to discuss the properties.
He reiterated that he had bought the properties because Dr Mohd Khir told him to do so.
However, Shamsuddin said he could not recall the exact words Dr Mohd Khir had allegedly used to tell him to purchase the properties.
He added that the Sungai Panjang assemblyman might have not literally ordered him to but from verbal words, body language and facial expression, he understood that it was Dr Mohd Khir's wish.
He told Justice Mohtarudin Baki he had viewed the bungalow simply to "have a look-see" and admitted that he would have bought the bungalow for himself had it been suitable.
When his credibility was attacked, Shamsuddin snapped at Kamarul who suggested that he had fabricated his claims when he said Dr Mohd Khir told him to buy the properties.
"That was not made up, Your Honour!" he said.
He also told the court that Dr Mohd Khir was informed whenever he made payments of RM500,000 each time to freelance landscaper Nasir Ismail, who carried out renovation work at the bungalow, in the hopes that the former Mentri Besar would reimburse the payment or purchase the bungalow later.
Kamarul: So you agree to buy the house, at the risk of the accused not wanting to buy the house from you?
Shamsuddin: Yes.
Kamarul: Even with the risk, you went on to buy the house... You have, in principle, agreed to see if you will get your money back?
Shamsuddin: Yes.
Earlier, Shamsuddin admitted that he had given contradictory statements to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission some time in 2009 and on June 7, this year.
In his statement in 2009, he said he had appointed Nasir for renovation work, sold the properties to cover his losses and did not disclose that the selling price was below the market price.
"In my statement in June, I admitted that the properties were indeed sold below the market price and it wasn't sold to cover profit losses.
"Dr Mohd Khir was the one who appointed Nasir, not me. My statement on June 7, 2011, and today is the truth," he said, despite the contradiction.
Hearing continues Thursday.
Source : The Star
The 54-year-old key witness said Wednesday that he did not see the purchase as an opportunity when he found out from Datuk Sumadi Ismail that Dr Mohd Khir was interested in the properties.
Sumadi was responsible in introducing potential buyers to previous owner Saiful Aznir Shahabudin.
Shamsuddin was answering questions from defence counsel Kamarul Hisham Kamaruddin during a cross-examination on the fifth day of the corruption trial of Dr Mohd Khir, 45, who is accused of knowingly obtaining for himself and his wife, two plots of land and a house located in Lots 8 and 10, Jalan Suasa 7/1L here, from Ditamas through Shamsuddin, for RM3.5mil, which was much lower than the original price.
Ditamas had bought the lots on Dec 23, 2004, for RM6.5mil.
Shamsuddin also denied suggestion that he was the one who initiated contact with Dr Mohd Khir to discuss the properties.
He reiterated that he had bought the properties because Dr Mohd Khir told him to do so.
However, Shamsuddin said he could not recall the exact words Dr Mohd Khir had allegedly used to tell him to purchase the properties.
He added that the Sungai Panjang assemblyman might have not literally ordered him to but from verbal words, body language and facial expression, he understood that it was Dr Mohd Khir's wish.
He told Justice Mohtarudin Baki he had viewed the bungalow simply to "have a look-see" and admitted that he would have bought the bungalow for himself had it been suitable.
When his credibility was attacked, Shamsuddin snapped at Kamarul who suggested that he had fabricated his claims when he said Dr Mohd Khir told him to buy the properties.
"That was not made up, Your Honour!" he said.
He also told the court that Dr Mohd Khir was informed whenever he made payments of RM500,000 each time to freelance landscaper Nasir Ismail, who carried out renovation work at the bungalow, in the hopes that the former Mentri Besar would reimburse the payment or purchase the bungalow later.
Kamarul: So you agree to buy the house, at the risk of the accused not wanting to buy the house from you?
Shamsuddin: Yes.
Kamarul: Even with the risk, you went on to buy the house... You have, in principle, agreed to see if you will get your money back?
Shamsuddin: Yes.
Earlier, Shamsuddin admitted that he had given contradictory statements to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission some time in 2009 and on June 7, this year.
In his statement in 2009, he said he had appointed Nasir for renovation work, sold the properties to cover his losses and did not disclose that the selling price was below the market price.
"In my statement in June, I admitted that the properties were indeed sold below the market price and it wasn't sold to cover profit losses.
"Dr Mohd Khir was the one who appointed Nasir, not me. My statement on June 7, 2011, and today is the truth," he said, despite the contradiction.
Hearing continues Thursday.
Source : The Star
Property valued at RM5.55mil
The property in Section 7 here bought by former Selangor Mentri Besar Dr Mohd Khir Toyo for RM3.5mil four years ago had a market value of RM5.55mil, the High Court heard.
Henry Butcher Malaysia Sdn Bhd senior property valuer Long Tian Chek, 54, testified yesterday that he valued the property as at May 14, 2007.
“I was instructed by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission on July 31, 2009, to evaluate two plots of land as at 2007,” he said during the examination-in-chief by Deputy Public Prosecutor Mohd Dusuki Mokhtar.
He added that the land, owned by Dr Khir and his wife Zahrah Kechik, came with a two-storey bungalow, a pool, a gazebo and a car porch.
Long said he put the market value for the land at RM2.35mil and the building at RM3.2mil, adding that he based this on existing evaluation reports, site visits, the neighbourhood and by comparing other houses in the area.
Dr Mohd Khir, 45, is charged with knowingly purchasing the property at a lower price than its original value from Ditamas Sdn Bhd director Shamsuddin Hayroni, who bought the two plots of land and the bungalow for RM6.5mil in 2004.
He is alleged to have committed the offence at the Mentri Besar's official residence on May 29, 2007.
Selangor Valuation and Property Services Department assistant valuation officer Noor Faiza Zainuddin, 48, said she put the vacant plot at RM918,000 and the other with the bungalow at RM3.9mil.
She said the department received an order from the Inland Revenue Board in July 2007 to evaluate the property for stamp duty when Shamsuddin wanted to sell it at RM1.3mil below the price she had estimated.
Noor Faiza added that Shamsuddin told her during a site visit on Aug 3, 2007, that he was forced to sell below the valuation price due to “problems”.
“When I went there, I saw that the bungalow was being renovated. It was standard practice in my office to ask why a property was being sold at a lower price.
“He told me he was going through some problems and had to let the property go,” she said, adding that she did not ask further about Shamsuddin's “problems”.
To a question by Mohd Dusuki, Noor Faiza said she did not factor in the renovation in her report as she was required to value it as at May 2007.
“So I used the original house plan,” she said.
Earlier, lawyer Doris Getrude Mayappen, 45, who represented Shamsuddin during a sale and purchase agreement for the property signed on May 29, 2007, said it was sold to Dr Khir and his wife for RM3.5mil.
Lawyer Ragunath Kesavan, 49, who represented original owner Saiful Aznir Shahabudin in another agreement, said it was sold at RM6.5mil.
Source : The Star
Related News : Former mentri besar asked me to buy land and bungalow, director tells court
Henry Butcher Malaysia Sdn Bhd senior property valuer Long Tian Chek, 54, testified yesterday that he valued the property as at May 14, 2007.
“I was instructed by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission on July 31, 2009, to evaluate two plots of land as at 2007,” he said during the examination-in-chief by Deputy Public Prosecutor Mohd Dusuki Mokhtar.
Trial ongoing: Dr Khir and Zahrah outside the High Court in Shah Alam yesterday.
He added that the land, owned by Dr Khir and his wife Zahrah Kechik, came with a two-storey bungalow, a pool, a gazebo and a car porch.
Long said he put the market value for the land at RM2.35mil and the building at RM3.2mil, adding that he based this on existing evaluation reports, site visits, the neighbourhood and by comparing other houses in the area.
Dr Mohd Khir, 45, is charged with knowingly purchasing the property at a lower price than its original value from Ditamas Sdn Bhd director Shamsuddin Hayroni, who bought the two plots of land and the bungalow for RM6.5mil in 2004.
He is alleged to have committed the offence at the Mentri Besar's official residence on May 29, 2007.
Selangor Valuation and Property Services Department assistant valuation officer Noor Faiza Zainuddin, 48, said she put the vacant plot at RM918,000 and the other with the bungalow at RM3.9mil.
She said the department received an order from the Inland Revenue Board in July 2007 to evaluate the property for stamp duty when Shamsuddin wanted to sell it at RM1.3mil below the price she had estimated.
Noor Faiza added that Shamsuddin told her during a site visit on Aug 3, 2007, that he was forced to sell below the valuation price due to “problems”.
“When I went there, I saw that the bungalow was being renovated. It was standard practice in my office to ask why a property was being sold at a lower price.
“He told me he was going through some problems and had to let the property go,” she said, adding that she did not ask further about Shamsuddin's “problems”.
To a question by Mohd Dusuki, Noor Faiza said she did not factor in the renovation in her report as she was required to value it as at May 2007.
“So I used the original house plan,” she said.
Earlier, lawyer Doris Getrude Mayappen, 45, who represented Shamsuddin during a sale and purchase agreement for the property signed on May 29, 2007, said it was sold to Dr Khir and his wife for RM3.5mil.
Lawyer Ragunath Kesavan, 49, who represented original owner Saiful Aznir Shahabudin in another agreement, said it was sold at RM6.5mil.
Source : The Star
Related News : Former mentri besar asked me to buy land and bungalow, director tells court
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Group wants Taib investigated
A group handed a memorandum to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong calling for an in-depth investigation into alleged corrupt practices by Sarawak Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud.
The Movement for Change Sarawak (MoCS) also called on the King to reject any future move in appointing Taib as governor of the state.
The memorandum was handed yesterday.
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Source : The Star
Related News : MACC probing Taib’s timber deals
The Movement for Change Sarawak (MoCS) also called on the King to reject any future move in appointing Taib as governor of the state.
The memorandum was handed yesterday.
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Source : The Star
Related News : MACC probing Taib’s timber deals
Former mentri besar asked me to buy land and bungalow, director tells court
A key witness in former Selangor mentri besar Dr Khir Toyo’s corruption trial told the High Court here that he had no choice but to proceed with a RM6.5mil land deal.
Ditamas director Shamsuddin Hayroni said he agreed to buy the two plots of land and a bungalow for RM6.5mil in 2004 after Dr Khir expressed interest in the property.
“I am a businessman with projects in Selangor and I was talking to the mentri besar (about the property). So, I agreed (to purchase).
“I felt like I didn’t have a choice and that I had to proceed,” he said when re-examined by Deputy Public Prosecutor Abdul Wahab Mohamed here yesterday.
Shamsuddin, who was acquitted after being initially charged with abetment in the deal, said the conversation took place during a meeting with Dr Khir and businessman Datuk Sumadi Ismail, who had introduced them to former property owner Saiful Aznir Shahabudin.
He said Sumadi had earlier declined Dr Khir’s request to buy the property as he had other commitments.
“He (Dr Khir) then asked me to buy. At that time, I thought that since he was interested in the house, maybe, one day, he’ll buy the house from me,” said Shamsuddin, adding that he bought the property on Dec 23, 2004, and paid its 10% deposit in cash.
The 55-year-old said he also discussed with Dr Khir on selling and transferring its ownership for RM3.5mil when the bungalow was being renovated.
He admitted that he had thought then that Dr Khir’s asking price of RM3.5mil was “too low” and that the price should be between RM5mil and RM5.5mil, considering that he wanted to give a RM1.5mil discount.
Asked why he still agreed to the sale, Shamsuddin replied: “I discussed it with my wife. We have projects in Selangor and here is a mentri besar interested in my property for RM3.5mil. I agreed because I was concerned with my projects and position as a businessman.”
Earlier, freelance landscaper Nasir Ismail, 55, testified that he had signed an agreement stating RM600,000 as renovation costs for the bungalow at Dr Khir’s request.
He had said on Thursday that Dr Khir spent over RM6mil to turn the bungalow into a Balinese concept home.
The hearing was later adjourned after lead defence counsel M. Athimulan said they would apply for the prosecution to supply them with Shamsuddin’s statements to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission for the “purpose of impeachment.”
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The court will hear the application today.
Dr Khir, 45, was charged with knowingly purchasing the property at a much lower price than its original value from Shamsuddin in 2007 and is alleged to hahttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifve committed the offence at the Selangor Mentri Besar’s official residence on May 29.
Source : The Star
Related News : Khir Toyo spent RM6mil to renovate mansion, court told
Ditamas director Shamsuddin Hayroni said he agreed to buy the two plots of land and a bungalow for RM6.5mil in 2004 after Dr Khir expressed interest in the property.
“I am a businessman with projects in Selangor and I was talking to the mentri besar (about the property). So, I agreed (to purchase).
“I felt like I didn’t have a choice and that I had to proceed,” he said when re-examined by Deputy Public Prosecutor Abdul Wahab Mohamed here yesterday.
Shamsuddin, who was acquitted after being initially charged with abetment in the deal, said the conversation took place during a meeting with Dr Khir and businessman Datuk Sumadi Ismail, who had introduced them to former property owner Saiful Aznir Shahabudin.
He said Sumadi had earlier declined Dr Khir’s request to buy the property as he had other commitments.
“He (Dr Khir) then asked me to buy. At that time, I thought that since he was interested in the house, maybe, one day, he’ll buy the house from me,” said Shamsuddin, adding that he bought the property on Dec 23, 2004, and paid its 10% deposit in cash.
The 55-year-old said he also discussed with Dr Khir on selling and transferring its ownership for RM3.5mil when the bungalow was being renovated.
He admitted that he had thought then that Dr Khir’s asking price of RM3.5mil was “too low” and that the price should be between RM5mil and RM5.5mil, considering that he wanted to give a RM1.5mil discount.
Asked why he still agreed to the sale, Shamsuddin replied: “I discussed it with my wife. We have projects in Selangor and here is a mentri besar interested in my property for RM3.5mil. I agreed because I was concerned with my projects and position as a businessman.”
Earlier, freelance landscaper Nasir Ismail, 55, testified that he had signed an agreement stating RM600,000 as renovation costs for the bungalow at Dr Khir’s request.
He had said on Thursday that Dr Khir spent over RM6mil to turn the bungalow into a Balinese concept home.
The hearing was later adjourned after lead defence counsel M. Athimulan said they would apply for the prosecution to supply them with Shamsuddin’s statements to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission for the “purpose of impeachment.”
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The court will hear the application today.
Dr Khir, 45, was charged with knowingly purchasing the property at a much lower price than its original value from Shamsuddin in 2007 and is alleged to hahttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifve committed the offence at the Selangor Mentri Besar’s official residence on May 29.
Source : The Star
Related News : Khir Toyo spent RM6mil to renovate mansion, court told
MACC man’s car splashed with red paint
A car belonging to a senior Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) officer was splashed with red paint at his home in Bandar Tasik Selatan in Kuala Lumpur.
MACC’s special investigative division chief assistant Mohamed Yussof Zakaria said he only noticed the damage to his car at 7.15am yesterday as he was about to leave for work.
According to sources, the paint was splashed on the front of the vehicle and driver’s door.
It is believed that the culprit might be an individual upset with enforcement activities conducted by Mohamed Yussof.http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif
He has lodged a report at the Pudu police station.
City CID chief Senior Asst Comm Datuk Ku Chin Wah confirmed it.
Source : The Star
MACC’s special investigative division chief assistant Mohamed Yussof Zakaria said he only noticed the damage to his car at 7.15am yesterday as he was about to leave for work.
According to sources, the paint was splashed on the front of the vehicle and driver’s door.
It is believed that the culprit might be an individual upset with enforcement activities conducted by Mohamed Yussof.http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif
He has lodged a report at the Pudu police station.
City CID chief Senior Asst Comm Datuk Ku Chin Wah confirmed it.
Source : The Star
Friday, June 10, 2011
Khir Toyo spent RM6mil to renovate mansion, court told
Former Selangor Mentri Besar Dr Mohd Khir Toyo spent over RM6mil to renovate his bungalow in Section 7 here, the High Court heard.
The renovation was done to transform the bungalow into a Balinese concept home that included a garden, as requested by Dr Khir, said third prosecution witness Nasir Ismail, 55.
The freelance landscaper, who was a bankrupt between 1998 and 2008, was helping out his wife's company, Lina Ubersari Landscape and Pottery, at that time.
He told Justice Mohtarudin Baki that the payment was done in 11 or 13 installments, some paid by Ditamas Sdn Bhd director Shamsuddin Hayroni and some by Dr Khir himself.
"I asked him (Dr Khir) for an upfront payment of a RM250,000 as I did not have money to start the renovation work. He agreed, as long as I could deliver the results," he said, adding that subsequent payments were made at RM500,000 each time.
Nasir said there were no receipts and all the payments were in cash as he was a bankrupt and did not have a bank account.
After receiving the advanced payment, Nasir said he went to the Malaysian Department of Insolvency to arrange for his passport to go to Bali to source for renovation supplies.
He, however, admitted that he did not declare the payments he received to the department despite being a bankrupt.
(According to Section 38 (1)(b) and (1)(ba) of the Bankruptcy Act 1967, a bankrupt must submit an account of all money and property, the value of which exceeds RM500, which come to his hands for his own use).
Describing Dr Khir as a "busy man" who seldom visited the property site, Nasir said he had initially thought the bungalow belonged to Dr Khir but was puzzled when he found out later that the property belonged to Ditamas.
During a cross-examination by defence counsel M. Athimulan, Nasir said there were no documents to record the payment as the landlord (Shamsuddin) did not want to make any.
However, Nasir admitted that he had signed an agreement with Dr Khir, stating RM600,000 as the cost for the renovation in what he described as "a form of formality".
The situation turned tensed when Athimulan grilled Nasir for receipts of the alleged payments and said that Nasir did not have evidence to support his statement.
Court was adjourned to Monday after Athimulan asked for time for the witness to go through documents stating the renovation works he had done and to search for the account number of Lina Ubersari.
Dr Khir, 45, was charged with knowingly purchasing the properties at a muhttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifch lower price than its original value from Shamsuddin in 2007 and is alleged to have committed the offence at the Selangor Mentri Besar's official residence on May 29.
He is liable to be jailed for two years, fined or both if he is found guilty.
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Source : The Star
Previous news :
Witness tells High Court he had direct dealings with ex-MB on projects
The renovation was done to transform the bungalow into a Balinese concept home that included a garden, as requested by Dr Khir, said third prosecution witness Nasir Ismail, 55.
The freelance landscaper, who was a bankrupt between 1998 and 2008, was helping out his wife's company, Lina Ubersari Landscape and Pottery, at that time.
He told Justice Mohtarudin Baki that the payment was done in 11 or 13 installments, some paid by Ditamas Sdn Bhd director Shamsuddin Hayroni and some by Dr Khir himself.
"I asked him (Dr Khir) for an upfront payment of a RM250,000 as I did not have money to start the renovation work. He agreed, as long as I could deliver the results," he said, adding that subsequent payments were made at RM500,000 each time.
Nasir said there were no receipts and all the payments were in cash as he was a bankrupt and did not have a bank account.
After receiving the advanced payment, Nasir said he went to the Malaysian Department of Insolvency to arrange for his passport to go to Bali to source for renovation supplies.
He, however, admitted that he did not declare the payments he received to the department despite being a bankrupt.
(According to Section 38 (1)(b) and (1)(ba) of the Bankruptcy Act 1967, a bankrupt must submit an account of all money and property, the value of which exceeds RM500, which come to his hands for his own use).
Describing Dr Khir as a "busy man" who seldom visited the property site, Nasir said he had initially thought the bungalow belonged to Dr Khir but was puzzled when he found out later that the property belonged to Ditamas.
During a cross-examination by defence counsel M. Athimulan, Nasir said there were no documents to record the payment as the landlord (Shamsuddin) did not want to make any.
However, Nasir admitted that he had signed an agreement with Dr Khir, stating RM600,000 as the cost for the renovation in what he described as "a form of formality".
The situation turned tensed when Athimulan grilled Nasir for receipts of the alleged payments and said that Nasir did not have evidence to support his statement.
Court was adjourned to Monday after Athimulan asked for time for the witness to go through documents stating the renovation works he had done and to search for the account number of Lina Ubersari.
Dr Khir, 45, was charged with knowingly purchasing the properties at a muhttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifch lower price than its original value from Shamsuddin in 2007 and is alleged to have committed the offence at the Selangor Mentri Besar's official residence on May 29.
He is liable to be jailed for two years, fined or both if he is found guilty.
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Source : The Star
Previous news :
Witness tells High Court he had direct dealings with ex-MB on projects
Probe into alleged match-rigging almost complete, says MACC
A football bookie was detained by the Ma-laysian Anti-Corruption Agency (MACC) to facilitate investigations into alleged match-fixing involving the T-Team President's Cup squad.
Terengganu MACC director Mohd Yusoff Mohd Zin said the suspect, in his 50s, was detained in Seremban at about 3pm on Wednesday.
“He has been detained until July 12 to assist investigations into allegations of match-fixing and bribery involving T-Team players and its management.
“We expect to wrap up the in-vestigations soon,” he said, adding that the probe was almost 80% complete.
“We have already recorded statements from the players, coa-ches and the team's management personnel.
“We will get to the bottom of the matter and ensure that the culprits involved will be punished,” he said.
It is learnt that the bookie has been operating for several years.
Mohd Yusoff also advised all parties to avoid speculating on the matter, saying it would not be helpful.
It was reported recently that a former T-Team player admitted to accepting bribes amounting to thousands of ringgit to fix matches during the Under-21 Prehttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifsident's Cup competition last year.
The player is said to have been approached by teammates with the proposition to fix the outcome of their matches.
Source : The Star
Terengganu MACC director Mohd Yusoff Mohd Zin said the suspect, in his 50s, was detained in Seremban at about 3pm on Wednesday.
“He has been detained until July 12 to assist investigations into allegations of match-fixing and bribery involving T-Team players and its management.
“We expect to wrap up the in-vestigations soon,” he said, adding that the probe was almost 80% complete.
“We have already recorded statements from the players, coa-ches and the team's management personnel.
“We will get to the bottom of the matter and ensure that the culprits involved will be punished,” he said.
It is learnt that the bookie has been operating for several years.
Mohd Yusoff also advised all parties to avoid speculating on the matter, saying it would not be helpful.
It was reported recently that a former T-Team player admitted to accepting bribes amounting to thousands of ringgit to fix matches during the Under-21 Prehttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifsident's Cup competition last year.
The player is said to have been approached by teammates with the proposition to fix the outcome of their matches.
Source : The Star
MACC probing Taib’s timber deals
The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has confirmed that it is currently investigating Sarawak Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud over allegations of timber corruption.
Its commissioner Datuk Seri Abu Kassim Mohamed said the commission was in the process of gathering information regarding the matter.
“As I said earlier, we are investigating Taib and whatever our action is, we cannot reveal at this moment,” he said at Sime Darby Bhd's signing and handing over corporate integrity pledge to the MACC here today.
Abu Kassim was responding to a question on whether the MACC was looking at carrying out a similar action as the Swiss Anti-Cor- ruption Agency, which recently froze Taib's assets over allegations of timber corruption.
According to a foreign news report, the Swiss Federation president Micheline Calmy-Rey was reported to be aware of the allegations and had forwarded the information about Taib's assets in Switzerland to its regulatory body Finma (the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority) for investigation.
Abu Kassim also said the MACC would continuously monitor mega projects from time to time.
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So far, MACC is expected to monitor three mega projects, namely the RM5bil 100-storey Warisan Merdeka Tower; the RM36bil mass rapid transit (MRT) system and Bukit Bin- tang City Centre (BBCC) project, slated to cost RM6.7bil.
Source : The Star
Its commissioner Datuk Seri Abu Kassim Mohamed said the commission was in the process of gathering information regarding the matter.
“As I said earlier, we are investigating Taib and whatever our action is, we cannot reveal at this moment,” he said at Sime Darby Bhd's signing and handing over corporate integrity pledge to the MACC here today.
Abu Kassim was responding to a question on whether the MACC was looking at carrying out a similar action as the Swiss Anti-Cor- ruption Agency, which recently froze Taib's assets over allegations of timber corruption.
According to a foreign news report, the Swiss Federation president Micheline Calmy-Rey was reported to be aware of the allegations and had forwarded the information about Taib's assets in Switzerland to its regulatory body Finma (the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority) for investigation.
Abu Kassim also said the MACC would continuously monitor mega projects from time to time.
http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif
So far, MACC is expected to monitor three mega projects, namely the RM5bil 100-storey Warisan Merdeka Tower; the RM36bil mass rapid transit (MRT) system and Bukit Bin- tang City Centre (BBCC) project, slated to cost RM6.7bil.
Source : The Star
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Witness tells High Court he had direct dealings with ex-MB on projects
Ditamas Sdn Bhd director Shamsuddin Hayroni (pic) had direct dealings with former Selangor Mentri Besar Dr Mohd Khir Toyo in his construction and property development business.
Shamsuddin told the High Court trying Dr Khir for corruption yesterday that he had met Dr Khir personally to apply for projects.
The prosecution's second witness said among the projects that he had applied for was a residential area project in Bandar Baru Bangi.
According to an agreement signed in 2002 between Shamsuddin's company Roniaga Sdn Bhd and Perbadanan Kerajaan Negeri Selangor (PKNS), a state subsidiary chaired by Dr Khir, the project was supposed to be completed in 2006.
Shamsuddin said he had submitted an application for an extension of the deadline. “I sent a written application stating my reasons for an extension and passed it to him (Dr Khir) myself.”
Shamsuddin also testified that he was introduced to Syarikat Permodalan Kebangsaan Bhd's chief executive officer Saiful Azmir Shahabudin in 2004 when the latter was looking for a buyer for two plots of land and a bungalow in Section 7 here.
He said Saiful's asking price of RM7mil for the bungalow was “too expensive”.
At this juncture, Shamsuddin, who had known Dr Khir from his early days as Mentri Besar, appeared agitated during his examination-in-chief by DPP Abdul Wahab Mohamed.
“Are you not well? We need to find the truth, that's all,” said Justice Mohtarudin Baki who adjourned the trial to today.
Earlier, the court heard that Saiful had sold the two plots and the bungalow for RM6.5mil to Ditamas in December 2004.
Saiful, however, agreed with Dr Khir's lawyer M. Athimulan that the transfer of ownership agreement recorded the amount as RM5mil and not RM6.5mil.
He had bought the two plots for RM1.3mil in 1995 and 1996.
He built a 15,000 sq ft bungalow with a four-car garage, a swimming pool, a gazebo, a fish pond, jogging track and landscaped the garden extensively.
Dr Khir, 45, was charged with knowingly purchasing the properties at a muhttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifch lower price than its original value from Shamsuddin in 2007 and is alleged to have committed the offence at the Selangor Mentri Besar's official residence on May 29.http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif
He faces a two-year jail term, a fine or both if convicted.
Source : The Star
Previous News : Drama at start of ex-MB’s trial
Drama at start of ex-MB’s trial
Unfazed by the trial: Dr Khir smiling outside the Shah Alam High Court yesterda y. With him is wife Zahrah Kechik.There was drama at the start of the corruption trial of former Selangor Mentri Besar Dr Mohd Khir Toyo at the High Court here when a company director, initially charged with abetment, turned prosecution witness.
Turning somewhat agitated at one point, Ditamas Sdn Bhd director Shamsuddin Hayroni struggled for words during the examination-in-chief, forcing Justice Mohtarudin Baki to adjourn the trial.
Shamsuddin was acquitted by the same court on Monday after being initially charged with abetting Dr Mohd Khir over a land deal.
Dr Mohd Khir, 45, is charged with buying two bungalow lots at a lower prichttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gife than the original value from Shamsuddin in 2007.
Source : The Star
Previous News : Sultan Ordered Suspension of Khir Toyo's Title
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