Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia - When a Malaysian court rejected a former chief minister's appeal against a corruption sentence recently, it stirred vigorous debate in the Southeast Asian nation.
Was this finally a signal that the government is serious about tackling rampant graft in Malaysia's corridors of power ?
Former Selangor state chief minister, Mohamed Khir Toyo, was one of the most senior government officials to be convicted for corruption in recent years.
Khir Toyo protested his innocence and accused Prime Minister Najib Razak of trying to make an example out of him to show the Malaysian public he is serious about ending high-level graft, a promise made ahead of recent general elections.
Corruption was a major issue during campaigning for the vote, which saw the ruling Barisan Nasional (BN) return to power with a substantially reduced majority - the worst-ever showing in its 56-year rule.
Despite promises of reining in corruption, many Malaysians remain sceptical.
"What we find in corruption cases involving BN members and affiliations is that the court process is purposely lengthened and delayed," said 25-year-old Lee Ee May, a management consultant.
One official, however, told Al Jazeera the government is serious about cleaning up its act.
"I can tell you there is political will to let [the corruption commission] to investigate as much as possible - without fear or favour - and for the Attorney General to prosecute should there be sufficient evidence," said Youth and Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin.
Scandalous record
Numerous financial scandals involving individuals linked to the ruling coalition has bred a doubting public in recent years.
Even well-respected anti-graft campaigner Paul Low, former chairman of the NGO Transparency International Malaysia, was not spared.
Low, 67, was appointed to the cabinet last month in a surprise move greeted with both praise and cynicism.
Low will take charge of matters related to corruption and government integrity.
"We hope that the Najib administration isn't just trying to have Datuk Paul Low's impeccable credentials rub off on the former, without real and tangible reforms enforced," said opposition Member of Parliament Tony Pua from the Democratic Action Party at the time.
Low's anti-graft colleagues called his appointment a "brave move" by Najib as the newly-minted Minister in the Prime Minister's Department could turn on the government by investigating allegations of corruption within the ruling coalition.
"I hope Najib will give him [Low] the freedom to make all the reforms, and not interfere in any corruption investigations in political leaders from the BN component parties," said Transparency International Secretary General Josie Fernandez.
When contacted by Al Jazeera last month, Low said: "I am only three days into my job so I need to wait. As you can see that whatever I say, I am being politicised."
Read more on Al Jazeera
Showing posts with label Khir Toyo Corruption. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Khir Toyo Corruption. Show all posts
Monday, June 10, 2013
Friday, December 23, 2011
Khir Toyo gets 1 Year Jail for Graft
Former Selangor Mentri Besar Dr Mohd Khir Toyo was found guilty by the High Court here Friday of knowingly purchasing two pieces of land and a bungalow in Section 7 at a much lower price than its original value from Ditamas Sdn Bhd director Shamsuddin Hayroni in 2007.
He was sentenced to one year in jail from Friday and Justice Mohtarudin Baki ordered his land and bungalow be forfeited.
However, the judge granted him him a stay of execution of jail time and forfeiture of the properties pending an appeal after his lawyer M. Athimulan made the request.
The lawyer said the appeal would be filed Friday evening.
The properties involved were purchased at RM3.5mil although Ditamas had bought it for RM6.5mil on Dec 23, 2004.
The court found that the defence had failed to raise reasonable doubt in the case.
Justice Mohtarudin said in his ruling that he found the key witness Shamsuddin not an accomplice of the accused.
(Shamsuddin was initially charged with abetting Dr Khir but later had his charge withdrawn. He became a witness for the prosecution).
Justice Mohtarudin said he had no reason to reject Shamsuddin's testimony as he had observed his demeanor throughout the trial.
Source : The Star
Related News : Khir extended no favours, High Court told
He was sentenced to one year in jail from Friday and Justice Mohtarudin Baki ordered his land and bungalow be forfeited.
However, the judge granted him him a stay of execution of jail time and forfeiture of the properties pending an appeal after his lawyer M. Athimulan made the request.
The lawyer said the appeal would be filed Friday evening.
The properties involved were purchased at RM3.5mil although Ditamas had bought it for RM6.5mil on Dec 23, 2004.
The court found that the defence had failed to raise reasonable doubt in the case.
Justice Mohtarudin said in his ruling that he found the key witness Shamsuddin not an accomplice of the accused.
(Shamsuddin was initially charged with abetting Dr Khir but later had his charge withdrawn. He became a witness for the prosecution).
Justice Mohtarudin said he had no reason to reject Shamsuddin's testimony as he had observed his demeanor throughout the trial.
Source : The Star
Related News : Khir extended no favours, High Court told
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Khir extended no favours, High Court told
Former Selangor Mentri Besar Dr Mohd Khir Toyo never extended any special favours to Ditamas Sdn Bhd director Shamsuddin Hayroni or unlawfully interfered in his projects, the High Court heard.
Defence counsel Kamarul Hisham Kamaruddin said there was no evidence to suggest his client had committed such acts.
“If Shamsuddin was expecting some kind of untoward advantage in the form of special treatment, that cannot amount to any duress of any kind because that is motivated by greed,” he said.
Kamarul was submitting before Justice Mohtarudin Baki during the closing argument for Dr Khir, who is charged with knowingly purchasing two plots of land and a bungalow in Section 7 here at a much lower price than its original value from Shamsuddin in 2007.
The property was bought at RM3.5mil although Ditamas had acquired it for RM6.5mil on Dec 23, 2004.
The 46-year-old politician allegedly committed the offence at the Selangor Mentri Besar’s official residence on May 29, 2007.
Kamarul said Shamsuddin’s testimony was an afterthought, made up after the charge against him was withdrawn.
“In 2009, he did not tell the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission that he had no option (but to sell the house at the said price), but after the charge was withdrawn, he changed his testimony to suit the prosecution’s case,” he said.
He attacked Shamsuddin’s credibility as a witness, saying that the testimony of a witness who was earlier accused but turned to the prosecution’s side after the charge was withdrawn must be viewed with the utmost suspicion.
Shamsuddin was first charged with abetting Dr Khir but had the charge against him dropped on June 6.
Kamarul said the prosecution had pressed ahead with its version of a person of influence who took advantage of another person in a weaker position.
“If this was true, then why would the accused ask businessman Datuk Sumadi Ismail to also buy the property? In fact, according to Shamsuddin’s testimony, the accused had first asked Sumadi to buy it.
“There is no evidence in the entire trial indicating that Sumadi was a person on whom the accused could have pressured and taken advantage of. What we know is Sumadi is a social and political friend of the accused,” he submitted.
DPP Abdul Wahab Mohamed said there was no evidence that Shamsuddin had financial problems and was desperate to sell the properties at a lower price.
He said there was only evidence of Shamsuddin being afraid and concerned about the accused’s influence as Mentri Besar and chairman of Selangor State Development Corporation (PKNS), with which Shamsuddin’s company had business deals.
The case is fixed for decision on Friday.
Source : The Star
Defence counsel Kamarul Hisham Kamaruddin said there was no evidence to suggest his client had committed such acts.
“If Shamsuddin was expecting some kind of untoward advantage in the form of special treatment, that cannot amount to any duress of any kind because that is motivated by greed,” he said.
Kamarul was submitting before Justice Mohtarudin Baki during the closing argument for Dr Khir, who is charged with knowingly purchasing two plots of land and a bungalow in Section 7 here at a much lower price than its original value from Shamsuddin in 2007.
The property was bought at RM3.5mil although Ditamas had acquired it for RM6.5mil on Dec 23, 2004.
The 46-year-old politician allegedly committed the offence at the Selangor Mentri Besar’s official residence on May 29, 2007.
Kamarul said Shamsuddin’s testimony was an afterthought, made up after the charge against him was withdrawn.
“In 2009, he did not tell the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission that he had no option (but to sell the house at the said price), but after the charge was withdrawn, he changed his testimony to suit the prosecution’s case,” he said.
He attacked Shamsuddin’s credibility as a witness, saying that the testimony of a witness who was earlier accused but turned to the prosecution’s side after the charge was withdrawn must be viewed with the utmost suspicion.
Shamsuddin was first charged with abetting Dr Khir but had the charge against him dropped on June 6.
Kamarul said the prosecution had pressed ahead with its version of a person of influence who took advantage of another person in a weaker position.
“If this was true, then why would the accused ask businessman Datuk Sumadi Ismail to also buy the property? In fact, according to Shamsuddin’s testimony, the accused had first asked Sumadi to buy it.
“There is no evidence in the entire trial indicating that Sumadi was a person on whom the accused could have pressured and taken advantage of. What we know is Sumadi is a social and political friend of the accused,” he submitted.
DPP Abdul Wahab Mohamed said there was no evidence that Shamsuddin had financial problems and was desperate to sell the properties at a lower price.
He said there was only evidence of Shamsuddin being afraid and concerned about the accused’s influence as Mentri Besar and chairman of Selangor State Development Corporation (PKNS), with which Shamsuddin’s company had business deals.
The case is fixed for decision on Friday.
Source : The Star
Dr Khir to know his fate on Friday
The High Court judge here fixed Friday to deliver his verdict in the trial of former Selangor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Khir Toyo.
In the trial Monday, the defence submitted that that there was no evidence showing Dr Khir had given special treatment to Ditamas Sdn Bhd director Shamsuddin Hayroni.
Defence counsel Kamarul Hisham Kamaruddin said that as such, there was no unlawful interference by the accused with any of businessman Shamsuddin's projects.
"If the second prosecution witness (Shamsuddin) is expecting some kind of untoward advantage in the form of a special treatment, that cannot amount to any duress of any kind because that is motivated by greed.
"There must be clear coercion...is there a jot of evidence to even suggest the accused said anything untoward? There's nothing in the past, present or future," he said in his submission at the end of the defence's case.
Dr Khir was called to enter his defence on a charge of obtaining for himself and his wife, Datin Seri Zahrah Kechik, two lots of land and a house at No 8 & 10, Jalan Suasa 7/1L, from Shamsuddin at RM3.5mil which was a much lower price than the RM6.5mil Ditamas paid for it in 2004.
He allegedly entered into the transaction with the knowledge that Shamsuddin had dealings with him in his official capacity as Selangor mentri besar at the time.
The Sungai Panjang assemblyman allegedly committed the offence at the Selangor mentri besar's official residence at Jalan Permata 7/1, Section 7, here on May 29, 2007.
Asserting that the prosecution's charge against Dr Khir hinged on Shamsuddin's testimony, Kamarul Hisham said the latter had failed to show proof that he had been ordered by the former menteri besar to purchase the bungalow and two plots of land in 2004.
The lawyer pointed out that Shamsuddin was charged with abetting Dr Khir and was later acquitted and discharged by the High Court on June 6 after the charge against him was withdrawn.
He said Shamsuddin had since turned into a witness for the prosecution.
"In this case, Shamsuddin stands a witness, earlier a fellow accused and now a witness for the prosecution by virtue of the charge being withdrawn against him.
"The common law has always viewed the testimony of such a witness with utmost suspicion," he added.
Source : The Star
Related News : Value on Khir’s property was unreasonable, witness tells court
In the trial Monday, the defence submitted that that there was no evidence showing Dr Khir had given special treatment to Ditamas Sdn Bhd director Shamsuddin Hayroni.
Defence counsel Kamarul Hisham Kamaruddin said that as such, there was no unlawful interference by the accused with any of businessman Shamsuddin's projects.
"If the second prosecution witness (Shamsuddin) is expecting some kind of untoward advantage in the form of a special treatment, that cannot amount to any duress of any kind because that is motivated by greed.
"There must be clear coercion...is there a jot of evidence to even suggest the accused said anything untoward? There's nothing in the past, present or future," he said in his submission at the end of the defence's case.
Dr Khir was called to enter his defence on a charge of obtaining for himself and his wife, Datin Seri Zahrah Kechik, two lots of land and a house at No 8 & 10, Jalan Suasa 7/1L, from Shamsuddin at RM3.5mil which was a much lower price than the RM6.5mil Ditamas paid for it in 2004.
He allegedly entered into the transaction with the knowledge that Shamsuddin had dealings with him in his official capacity as Selangor mentri besar at the time.
The Sungai Panjang assemblyman allegedly committed the offence at the Selangor mentri besar's official residence at Jalan Permata 7/1, Section 7, here on May 29, 2007.
Asserting that the prosecution's charge against Dr Khir hinged on Shamsuddin's testimony, Kamarul Hisham said the latter had failed to show proof that he had been ordered by the former menteri besar to purchase the bungalow and two plots of land in 2004.
The lawyer pointed out that Shamsuddin was charged with abetting Dr Khir and was later acquitted and discharged by the High Court on June 6 after the charge against him was withdrawn.
He said Shamsuddin had since turned into a witness for the prosecution.
"In this case, Shamsuddin stands a witness, earlier a fellow accused and now a witness for the prosecution by virtue of the charge being withdrawn against him.
"The common law has always viewed the testimony of such a witness with utmost suspicion," he added.
Source : The Star
Related News : Value on Khir’s property was unreasonable, witness tells court
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Value on Khir’s property was unreasonable, witness tells court
The High Court here was told that the RM6.5mil price tag on former Selangor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Khir Toyo’s property was unreasonable.
Property valuer Iramy Ahmad, 48, testified that the figure was “too high” for the two plots of land and a bungalow.
The witness, who was examined by defence lawyer Datuk Jahaberdeen Mohamed Yunoos, said his firm Irhamy & Co had used the comparison method in evaluating the properties in 2005 and came up with a RM4.3mil figure.
He said he had visited the house just after its completion and that the bungalow was already occupied at that time.
Iramy is the fourth defence witness testifying in the trial of 45-year-old Dr Khir, who is charged with knowingly purchasing two pieces of land and a bungalow in Section 7 here at a much lower price than its actual value from Ditamas Sdn Bhd director Shamsuddin Hayroni in 2007.
The property was bought at RM3.5mil although Ditamas had bought it for RM6.5mil on Dec 23, 2004.
Dr Khir had allegedly committed the offence at the Selangor Mentri Besar’s official residence on May 29, 2007.
Cross-examined by Deputy Public Prosecutor Mohd Dusuki Mokhtar, Iramy agreed that similar properties must be used as variables when evaluating using the comparison method.
Mohd Dusuki: But there is no definition of “similar properties”?
Iramy: Agreed.
Mohd Dusuki: But logically, similar properties would be something “as close as possible” (to Dr Khir’s properties) in terms of locality and the property itself?
Iramy: Yes.
The witness disagreed when it was suggested that the comparables used in his valuation was not “as close as possible”.
Iramy added that there were instances where valuers used their own judgment to determine market value as the Valuation and Property Services Department used to be late in relaying data to use as comparables.
“Back then, if the data was meant for December, it would only be processed five months later. This is where you need to use your own judgment for market value. But now, the process is much faster,” he said.
The hearing continues today.
Source : The Star
Related News : RM6.5mil price for Khir Toyo’s house is too high: Valuer
Property valuer Iramy Ahmad, 48, testified that the figure was “too high” for the two plots of land and a bungalow.
The witness, who was examined by defence lawyer Datuk Jahaberdeen Mohamed Yunoos, said his firm Irhamy & Co had used the comparison method in evaluating the properties in 2005 and came up with a RM4.3mil figure.
He said he had visited the house just after its completion and that the bungalow was already occupied at that time.
Iramy is the fourth defence witness testifying in the trial of 45-year-old Dr Khir, who is charged with knowingly purchasing two pieces of land and a bungalow in Section 7 here at a much lower price than its actual value from Ditamas Sdn Bhd director Shamsuddin Hayroni in 2007.
The property was bought at RM3.5mil although Ditamas had bought it for RM6.5mil on Dec 23, 2004.
Dr Khir had allegedly committed the offence at the Selangor Mentri Besar’s official residence on May 29, 2007.
Cross-examined by Deputy Public Prosecutor Mohd Dusuki Mokhtar, Iramy agreed that similar properties must be used as variables when evaluating using the comparison method.
Mohd Dusuki: But there is no definition of “similar properties”?
Iramy: Agreed.
Mohd Dusuki: But logically, similar properties would be something “as close as possible” (to Dr Khir’s properties) in terms of locality and the property itself?
Iramy: Yes.
The witness disagreed when it was suggested that the comparables used in his valuation was not “as close as possible”.
Iramy added that there were instances where valuers used their own judgment to determine market value as the Valuation and Property Services Department used to be late in relaying data to use as comparables.
“Back then, if the data was meant for December, it would only be processed five months later. This is where you need to use your own judgment for market value. But now, the process is much faster,” he said.
The hearing continues today.
Source : The Star
Related News : RM6.5mil price for Khir Toyo’s house is too high: Valuer
Monday, October 31, 2011
RM6.5mil price for Khir Toyo’s house is too high: Valuer
A professional property valuer told the High Court here on Monday that the RM6.5mil price tag on former Selangor Mentri Besar Dr Mohd Khir Toyo's house and land was an unreasonable figure.
Iramy Ahmad, 48, testified that as a valuer, the RM6.5mil figure was too high' for the two plots of land and a bungalow.
The witness, who was examined by defence lawyer Datuk Jahaberdeen Mohamed Yunoos, said his firm Irhamy & Co had used the comparison method in valuating the properties in 2005 and came up with a RM4.3mil figure.
He said he had visited the house just after its completion and the bungalow was already occupied.
Iramy is the fourth defence witness testifying in the trial of the 45-year-old Dr Khir, who is charged with knowingly purchasing two pieces of land and a bungalow in Section 7 here at a much lower price than its original value from Ditamas Sdn Bhd director Shamsuddin Hayroni in 2007.
The property was purchased at RM3.5mil although Ditamas had bought it for RM6.5mil on December 23, 2004.
Dr Khir allegedly committed the offence at the Selangor Mentri Besar's official residence on May 29, 2007.
When cross-examined by deputy public prosecutor Mohd Dusuki Mokhtar, Iramy agreed that to enable comparison method, similar properties must be used as variables.
Mohd Dusuki: But there is no definition of similar properties'?
Iramy: Agreed.
Mohd Dusuki: But logically, similar properties would be something as close as possible' (to Dr Khir's properties) in terms of locality and the property itself?
Iramy: Yes.
The witness disagreed when it was suggested that the comparables used in his valuation was not as close as possible'.
Iramy added that there were instances where valuers need to use their own judgement of market value as there the Valuation and Property Services Department (JPPH) were late in relaying data to use as comparables.
“Back then, if the data was meant for December, it would only be processed five months later. This is where you need to use your own judgement for market value.
“But now the process is much faster,” he said.
The hearing continues Tuesday
Source : The Star
Related News : Khir Toyo trial: Contractor didn't deliver, former S'gor MB tells court
Iramy Ahmad, 48, testified that as a valuer, the RM6.5mil figure was too high' for the two plots of land and a bungalow.
The witness, who was examined by defence lawyer Datuk Jahaberdeen Mohamed Yunoos, said his firm Irhamy & Co had used the comparison method in valuating the properties in 2005 and came up with a RM4.3mil figure.
He said he had visited the house just after its completion and the bungalow was already occupied.
Iramy is the fourth defence witness testifying in the trial of the 45-year-old Dr Khir, who is charged with knowingly purchasing two pieces of land and a bungalow in Section 7 here at a much lower price than its original value from Ditamas Sdn Bhd director Shamsuddin Hayroni in 2007.
The property was purchased at RM3.5mil although Ditamas had bought it for RM6.5mil on December 23, 2004.
Dr Khir allegedly committed the offence at the Selangor Mentri Besar's official residence on May 29, 2007.
When cross-examined by deputy public prosecutor Mohd Dusuki Mokhtar, Iramy agreed that to enable comparison method, similar properties must be used as variables.
Mohd Dusuki: But there is no definition of similar properties'?
Iramy: Agreed.
Mohd Dusuki: But logically, similar properties would be something as close as possible' (to Dr Khir's properties) in terms of locality and the property itself?
Iramy: Yes.
The witness disagreed when it was suggested that the comparables used in his valuation was not as close as possible'.
Iramy added that there were instances where valuers need to use their own judgement of market value as there the Valuation and Property Services Department (JPPH) were late in relaying data to use as comparables.
“Back then, if the data was meant for December, it would only be processed five months later. This is where you need to use your own judgement for market value.
“But now the process is much faster,” he said.
The hearing continues Tuesday
Source : The Star
Related News : Khir Toyo trial: Contractor didn't deliver, former S'gor MB tells court
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Khir Toyo trial: Contractor didn't deliver, former S'gor MB tells court
Former Selangor Mentri Besar Dr Mohd Khir Toyo told the High Court here Tuesday that he had a serious disagreement with the contractor engaged to do the initial renovation work on his house.
The contractor, Nasir Ismail, 55, did not deliver as agreed on the contract signed with him to equip the house with the basic necessities, he said.
Dr Khir, testifying in his corruption trial, said he had agreed to pay Nasir RM600,000 for the initial work.
He added that he paid only RM400,000 and refused to pay the remaining RM200,000 because the wiring work done was shoddy.
This had angered Nasir so much that he went to the extent of removing furniture from the premises, Dr Mohd Khir alleged.
He said he had to change the motor of the auto gate of the house to prevent Nasir from entering.
Dr Khir, 45, is charged with knowingly purchasing two pieces of land and a bungalow in Section 7 here at a much lower price than its original value from Ditamas Sdn Bhd director Shamsuddin Hayroni in 2007 and is alleged to have committed the offence at the Selangor Mentri Besar's official residence on May 29.
Dr Khir also said the purchase of the property was between a willing buyer and willing seller.
He added that he would not have bought the house if Shamsuddin had not wanted to sell at RM3.5mil.
Source : The Star
Related News : Khir Toyo ordered to enter defence
The contractor, Nasir Ismail, 55, did not deliver as agreed on the contract signed with him to equip the house with the basic necessities, he said.
Dr Khir, testifying in his corruption trial, said he had agreed to pay Nasir RM600,000 for the initial work.
He added that he paid only RM400,000 and refused to pay the remaining RM200,000 because the wiring work done was shoddy.
This had angered Nasir so much that he went to the extent of removing furniture from the premises, Dr Mohd Khir alleged.
He said he had to change the motor of the auto gate of the house to prevent Nasir from entering.
Dr Khir, 45, is charged with knowingly purchasing two pieces of land and a bungalow in Section 7 here at a much lower price than its original value from Ditamas Sdn Bhd director Shamsuddin Hayroni in 2007 and is alleged to have committed the offence at the Selangor Mentri Besar's official residence on May 29.
Dr Khir also said the purchase of the property was between a willing buyer and willing seller.
He added that he would not have bought the house if Shamsuddin had not wanted to sell at RM3.5mil.
Source : The Star
Related News : Khir Toyo ordered to enter defence
Monday, August 8, 2011
Khir Toyo ordered to enter defence
Former Selangor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Khir Toyo has been ordered by the High Court here to enter his defence for obtaining two lots of land and a house through a company director below the purchase price.
High Court judge Justice Mohtarudin Baki held Monday that the prosecution had proven a prima facie case against Dr Khir.
The judge set five days from Sept 26 to hear the defence's case.
Dr Mohd Khir, 46, is charged with knowingly purchasing properties from Ditamas Sdn Bhd director Shamsuddin Haryoni in 2007 for much lower than its original price.
He is alleged to have committed the offence at the Selangor Mentri Besar's official residence on May 29, when he obtained for himself and his wife Datin Seri Zahrah Kechik two plots of land and house from Shamsuddin at RM3.5mil.
The prosecution case came to a close on June 22 after 25 witnesses were called to testify during the nine-day trial.
Source : The Star
Related News : Defence casts doubts on Shamsuddin’s testimony
High Court judge Justice Mohtarudin Baki held Monday that the prosecution had proven a prima facie case against Dr Khir.
The judge set five days from Sept 26 to hear the defence's case.
Dr Mohd Khir, 46, is charged with knowingly purchasing properties from Ditamas Sdn Bhd director Shamsuddin Haryoni in 2007 for much lower than its original price.
He is alleged to have committed the offence at the Selangor Mentri Besar's official residence on May 29, when he obtained for himself and his wife Datin Seri Zahrah Kechik two plots of land and house from Shamsuddin at RM3.5mil.
The prosecution case came to a close on June 22 after 25 witnesses were called to testify during the nine-day trial.
Source : The Star
Related News : Defence casts doubts on Shamsuddin’s testimony
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Defence casts doubts on Shamsuddin’s testimony
The defence team in the corruption trial involving Dr Mohd Khir Toyo challenged the credibility of key witness Sham-suddin Hayroni in its submissions to the High Court here.
Lawyer M. Athimulan, representing the former Selangor mentri besar, said Shamsuddin, the Dita-mas Sdn Bhd director, had made contradictory statements that suggested he was not a credible witness.
“Shamsuddin was investigated by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Com-mission (MACC) and had his statements recorded in 2009.
“But when testifying in court, he contradicted the statement he gave in 2009 on three accounts,” he said, adding that Shamsuddin had committed perjury. “To what extent can his testimony be relied on?”
He said Shamsuddin had also claimed that RM3.5mil was too low a price for a bungalow and two plots of land to be sold to Dr Khir.
“However, Shamsuddin said in another testimony that he wanted to sell the properties at RM5.5mil and offer a discount,” Athimulan said.
Another defence counsel Kamarul Hisham Kamaruddin said that when Shamsuddin bought the property in 2004, there was no valuation pricing it at RM6.5mil.
He further submitted that Dr Khir could not have known that it was valued at a price higher than RM3.5mil.
Deputy public prosecutor Abdul Wahab Mohamad, however, submitted it was unreasonable for the purchase of the properties to be based on a “willing buyer, willing seller” agreement.
“It is not reasonable because the price of the property sold (to Dr Khir) is almost less than half of the price that Shamsuddin paid for it (RM6.5mil),” he said.
He added there were no facts showing that Shamsuddin had sold it because he was having financial problems.
High Court judge Justice Mohtaru-din Baki fixed Aug 8 to deliver his decision as to whether Dr Khir would be called to enter his defence or be freed of the corruption charge.
Source : The Star
Previous News : Prosecution rests its case
Lawyer M. Athimulan, representing the former Selangor mentri besar, said Shamsuddin, the Dita-mas Sdn Bhd director, had made contradictory statements that suggested he was not a credible witness.
“Shamsuddin was investigated by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Com-mission (MACC) and had his statements recorded in 2009.
“But when testifying in court, he contradicted the statement he gave in 2009 on three accounts,” he said, adding that Shamsuddin had committed perjury. “To what extent can his testimony be relied on?”
He said Shamsuddin had also claimed that RM3.5mil was too low a price for a bungalow and two plots of land to be sold to Dr Khir.
“However, Shamsuddin said in another testimony that he wanted to sell the properties at RM5.5mil and offer a discount,” Athimulan said.
Another defence counsel Kamarul Hisham Kamaruddin said that when Shamsuddin bought the property in 2004, there was no valuation pricing it at RM6.5mil.
He further submitted that Dr Khir could not have known that it was valued at a price higher than RM3.5mil.
Deputy public prosecutor Abdul Wahab Mohamad, however, submitted it was unreasonable for the purchase of the properties to be based on a “willing buyer, willing seller” agreement.
“It is not reasonable because the price of the property sold (to Dr Khir) is almost less than half of the price that Shamsuddin paid for it (RM6.5mil),” he said.
He added there were no facts showing that Shamsuddin had sold it because he was having financial problems.
High Court judge Justice Mohtaru-din Baki fixed Aug 8 to deliver his decision as to whether Dr Khir would be called to enter his defence or be freed of the corruption charge.
Source : The Star
Previous News : Prosecution rests its case
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
‘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
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
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.”
http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif
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.”
http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif
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
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
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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.
http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif
Source : The Star
Previous news :
Witness tells High Court he had direct dealings with ex-MB on projects
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
Monday, January 24, 2011
Court to Hear Khir Toyo’s Suit Against Sekinchan Rep In Sept
The High Court here set three days from Sept 19 to hear former Selangor Mentri Besar Dr Mohamad Khir Toyo's defamation suit against Sekinchan assemblyman Ng Suee Lim.
Senior assistant registrar Syajaratudur Abd Rahman set the dates in her chambers on Monday.
The case is set for hearing before Justice Dr Badariah Sahamid.
Dr Mohamad Khir, in his suit, filed in January last year, claimed that Ng had tried to tarnish his image through a statement, including in the media, about the ownership of a bungalow.
Ng, in his statement of defence, claimed that he had conditional justification to expose any abuse of power by the former mentri besar.
He denied that the statement was defamatory, either in fact or in law.
Ng also said that the statement was a fair comment made in the public's interest and was factually true.
On July 6, 2009, the DAP assemblyman claimed that Dr Mohamad Khir had spent about RM24mil to buy a bungalow in Section 7 here when his income was estimated at only RM576,000 a year, or a total of RM4.6mil, in the eight years that he had held office.
Dr Mohamad Khir denied the allegation and said that the bungalow cost only RM3.5mil and was bought with a 30-year bank loan.
Reported by Bernama
Senior assistant registrar Syajaratudur Abd Rahman set the dates in her chambers on Monday.
The case is set for hearing before Justice Dr Badariah Sahamid.
Dr Mohamad Khir, in his suit, filed in January last year, claimed that Ng had tried to tarnish his image through a statement, including in the media, about the ownership of a bungalow.
Ng, in his statement of defence, claimed that he had conditional justification to expose any abuse of power by the former mentri besar.
He denied that the statement was defamatory, either in fact or in law.
Ng also said that the statement was a fair comment made in the public's interest and was factually true.
On July 6, 2009, the DAP assemblyman claimed that Dr Mohamad Khir had spent about RM24mil to buy a bungalow in Section 7 here when his income was estimated at only RM576,000 a year, or a total of RM4.6mil, in the eight years that he had held office.
Dr Mohamad Khir denied the allegation and said that the bungalow cost only RM3.5mil and was bought with a 30-year bank loan.
Reported by Bernama
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Sultan Ordered Suspension of Khir Toyo's Title
SHAH ALAM: The Datuk Seri title of former Mentri Besar Dr Mohd Khir Toyo was suspended by the Selangor Sultan and not surrendered voluntarily, State Secretary Datuk Mohd Khusrin Munawi clarified Thursday.
The former MB's statement that he had voluntarily returned his title was not true, Mohd Khusrin said when contacted, adding that the decision to suspend the title was made by the Sultan and relayed to Dr Mohd Khir after the royal council's meeting Wednesday.
According to Mohd Khusrin, the suspension would be until the case pending against Dr Mohd Khir was settled.
"If he is found guilty, the title will be revoked. If he is not guilty, it will be returned to him," he added.
Meanwhile, in a response posted in his blog, Dr Mohd Khir maintained he had volunteered to surrender his title.
"I readily accept the suspension as I had written to the Sultan's private secretary (Datuk Munir Bani) in December, expressing my intent to temporarily return the title until my case is over," Dr Mohd Khir said.
When contacted, Dr Mohd Khir said he had written to Munir on Dec 7 and to the Sultan on Dec 10, through Munir's office.
He said he had written to secure the palace's permission to temporarily return the title as he did not have the authority to suspend it himself.
He said as he was not at the royal council's meeting, he was not in a position to say whether or not his letter had influenced the decision to suspend his title.
"I was only informed that His Highness the Sultan and the royal council had suspended my title and I assumed it this must be due to my letter," Dr Mohd Khir said.
He said Mohd Khusrin should have conferred with Munir before making the statement.
"I don't have to lie about these things," he added.
On Wednesday, the Sungai Panjang assemblyman said the policy for title-holders to surrender their titles if charged in court was made during his tenure as MB.
"Given this, it is the right and honorable thing for me to return the title to the palace.
"I wrote a letter to the palace on this matter last month," he added.
Dr Mohd Khir had said he was surrending the title "temporarily", pending the disposal of his graft trial.
Dr Mohd Khir, 45, was charged on Dec 6 in the Sessions Court here with accepting two plots of land in Section 7 here for RM3.5mil, when the said lots were bought by Ditamas Sdn Bhd managing director Datuk Shamsuddin Haryoni for RM6.5mil.
Shamsuddin, 52, was also charged with abetting in the deal of the property on May 29, 2007.
Previous News : Khir Toyo Returns 'Datuk Seri' Title
Reported By The Star
The former MB's statement that he had voluntarily returned his title was not true, Mohd Khusrin said when contacted, adding that the decision to suspend the title was made by the Sultan and relayed to Dr Mohd Khir after the royal council's meeting Wednesday.
According to Mohd Khusrin, the suspension would be until the case pending against Dr Mohd Khir was settled.
"If he is found guilty, the title will be revoked. If he is not guilty, it will be returned to him," he added.
Meanwhile, in a response posted in his blog, Dr Mohd Khir maintained he had volunteered to surrender his title.
"I readily accept the suspension as I had written to the Sultan's private secretary (Datuk Munir Bani) in December, expressing my intent to temporarily return the title until my case is over," Dr Mohd Khir said.
When contacted, Dr Mohd Khir said he had written to Munir on Dec 7 and to the Sultan on Dec 10, through Munir's office.
He said he had written to secure the palace's permission to temporarily return the title as he did not have the authority to suspend it himself.
He said as he was not at the royal council's meeting, he was not in a position to say whether or not his letter had influenced the decision to suspend his title.
"I was only informed that His Highness the Sultan and the royal council had suspended my title and I assumed it this must be due to my letter," Dr Mohd Khir said.
He said Mohd Khusrin should have conferred with Munir before making the statement.
"I don't have to lie about these things," he added.
On Wednesday, the Sungai Panjang assemblyman said the policy for title-holders to surrender their titles if charged in court was made during his tenure as MB.
"Given this, it is the right and honorable thing for me to return the title to the palace.
"I wrote a letter to the palace on this matter last month," he added.
Dr Mohd Khir had said he was surrending the title "temporarily", pending the disposal of his graft trial.
Dr Mohd Khir, 45, was charged on Dec 6 in the Sessions Court here with accepting two plots of land in Section 7 here for RM3.5mil, when the said lots were bought by Ditamas Sdn Bhd managing director Datuk Shamsuddin Haryoni for RM6.5mil.
Shamsuddin, 52, was also charged with abetting in the deal of the property on May 29, 2007.
Previous News : Khir Toyo Returns 'Datuk Seri' Title
Reported By The Star
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