Ex-minister denies any knowledge of political funds in graft trial of former aide
The Malaysian Insider – 38 minutes agoRELATED CONTENT
- Ex-minister denies any knowledge of political funds in graft trial of former aid …
Former minister in the Prime Minister's Department Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcop told the Butterworth Sessions Court today that he had no knowledge of any political funds found in the apartment of his former aide, as "I am not a politician".
The former Tasek Gelugor MP was testifying as a prosecution witness in the money laundering case involving his former political secretary Hasbie Satar.
Hasbie, 41, is facing trial for allegedly laundering RM2,134,656. He was arrested in an apartment in Teluk Air Tawar, Butterworth, on February 11, 2010, when the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission raided the place and found the money.
The Sarawakian allegedly obtained the money from ill-gotten gains. He claimed trial in February 2011.
Nor Mohamed, who is now Khazanah Nasional deputy chairman, was asked by deputy public prosecutor Anselm Charles Fernandis if he was aware of any political funds being kept in the apartment, where the offence was allegedly committed.
The economist, who was also formerly second finance minister from 2004 to 2009, said he had no such knowledge.
Nor Mohamed said he had been in the apartment before, which was used as a meeting place for politicians in the area.
"Hasbie stayed in the apartment sometimes. He usually informed me if he was going to be in Penang.
"I have never given him any permission to keep any money there," he said.
Nor Mohamed added that the apartment was not his service centre as his office was in Sungai Dua when he was serving as an MP during the time of the alleged offence.
He added that Hasbie had also not told him about any political funds.
He said he knew nothing about such funds and was personally unfamiliar with the normal procedures in dealing with money for political purposes.
"I do not really know. I am not a politician.
"In my opinion, if there are contributions (money), they should be channeled into proper accounts," he said.
Nor Mohamed was MP for only one term. He was appointed senator in 2004 when he was made second finance minister.
Later, during cross-examination by the defence led by counsel Badrul Munir Bukhari, Nor Mohamed said he does not know how such funds are obtained or how they are used.
Trying to connect the money to political funds for the Permatang Pasir by-election in August 2010, Badrul asked if the money was a surplus from the funds.
Nor Mohamed said he could not remember if the money was the surplus nor the total amount allocated by Umno for the by-election.
Earlier, Nor Mohamed told Sessions judge Ikmal Hishan Mohd Tajuddin that he first met Hasbie in May 2000.
He said Hasbie was then appointed as his special officer when he (Nor Mohamed) was made special economic adviser to Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, who was prime minister at the time.
Nor Mohamed was also asked to explain the procedures and paperwork involved in procurement, tender and direct negotiations for government projects.
Hearing continues on March 10. The prosecution has 15 more witnesses to call.
Hasbie faces a fine of up to RM5 million or five years in prison or both, upon conviction under Section 4(1) of the Anti-Money Laundering and Anti-Financing of Terrorism Act 2001.
Hasbie is also facing 28 counts of money laundering in Shah Alam. He was charged in 2012 for allegedly laundered RM935,000 that was deposited into the bank accounts of people, including his family members. – February 21, 2014.
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