Kuala lumpur: KCJ Engineering Sdn Bhd Director Datuk Seri Azman Yusoff today asserted that he appeared in court to tell the truth regardless of whether former Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin wins or loses his ongoing case. Azman, 54, who is also the President of the Bumiputera Contractors Association of Malaysia (PKBM), made this statement during re-examination by Deputy Public Prosecutor Datuk Wan Shaharuddin Wan Ladin at the trial of Muhyiddin, who faces seven charges of abuse of power and money laundering.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Azman declared his presence in court was solely to convey the truth, emphasizing that the outcome of Muhyiddin's case is secondary to his obligation to testify truthfully. He highlighted his commitment to honesty in court, stating, "I am present in court to tell the truth, and I do not care whether Tan Sri Muhyiddin wins or loses this case. I don't mind... what matters is that I am telling the truth in court. I have taken an oath." Azman, the 27th prosecution witness, also dismissed allegations in a complaint form accusing him of soliciting and receiving money related to the Jana Wibawa project as slander.
Azman clarified that he was neither remanded nor charged, asserting that he committed no offense. He explained that corruption involves those in power, noting, "Corruption only involves people who hold power. The Prime Minister and the Ministry of Finance (MOF) have power... so for me, only those in power can solicit and receive (bribes). I have no power in this matter." Additionally, he refuted claims of receiving "special treatment" from the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) due to his non-remand status.
Azman elaborated on his interactions with the MACC, asserting that his testimony was truthful and that he lacked authority to award the Jana Wibawa project to any contractor. He mentioned informing contractor companies that securing the project required a contribution to the Bersatu party. He recounted a conversation with Muhyiddin at a golf event in July 2020, where the former Prime Minister emphasized that contributions to Bersatu should be directly deposited into the party's account.
When questioned by Wan Shaharuddin about not reporting Muhyiddin despite recognizing the impropriety of the contribution request, Azman explained his adherence to instructions. He expressed gratitude towards Muhyiddin for supporting Bumiputera contractors during the COVID-19 pandemic, stating, "I am not evil or 'destitute' enough to sell Tan Sri Muhyiddin's name to get money to be channeled to Bersatu."
During the trial, lawyer Datuk Amer Hamzah Arshad, representing Muhyiddin, sought to inspect Azman's notes, suggesting the witness provided "coached answers." High Court Judge Noor Ruwena Md Nurdin reviewed the notes, concluding that Azman was merely documenting his responses.
Azman also denied leveraging his position as PKBM President to secure government projects or exert influence among Ministry of Works (KKR) officials. Muhyiddin, 79, is charged with using his roles as Prime Minister and Bersatu President to solicit bribes totaling RM225.3 million related to the Jana Wibawa Project between March 2020 and August 2021. Additionally, he faces charges of receiving RM200 million from unlawful activities, allegedly deposited into Bersatu's account between February 2021 and July 2022. The trial continues on September 14.