Kuala lumpur: A witness told the High Court today that former Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin was at the Tropicana Golf and Country Resort to play golf on July 19, 2020. Tropicana Golf and Country Resort Berhad (TGCRB) group head of security, S. Saravanan, 56, testified that a check on the Green Fee Tag showed Muhyiddin was among 15 players registered to play at the golf club that day.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Saravanan stated that an invoice registered under Muhyiddin's name showed golf service fees amounting to RM0, as it was fully covered by the Golf Club. The players that day comprised four flights involving 15 players, including Muhyiddin, Natan, Shahran, and others. Saravanan made these statements during Muhyiddin's trial, where he faces seven charges of abuse of power and money laundering involving the Jana Wibawa project.
Saravanan further explained that every player must be registered and have their name entered into the Green Fee Tag system for record-keeping and insurance purposes. Last year, Bumiputera Contractors Association of Malaysia president Datuk Seri Azman Yusoff testified that he had met Muhyiddin at a golf tournament in July 2020, but this was challenged by lawyer Datuk Amer Hamzah Arshad, who claimed the tournament took place in October.
Saravanan could not ascertain whether the game was a tournament or a friendly match. He clarified that a tournament usually involves more than 10 flights with over 40 players. During the proceedings, it was informed that businessman Adam Radlan Adam Muhammad would likely be offered as a defence witness instead of a prosecution witness.
Muhyiddin, then Prime Minister and Bersatu president, was charged with four counts of abuse of power for allegedly soliciting RM232.5 million in bribes from various entities in connection with the Jana Wibawa project. He faces a maximum penalty of 20 years' imprisonment and a hefty fine upon conviction.
Additionally, Muhyiddin faces three charges of receiving RM200 million in unlawful proceeds deposited into Bersatu's bank accounts. These charges carry a maximum penalty of 15 years' imprisonment and a substantial fine. The trial before Judge Noor Ruwena Md Nurdin resumes tomorrow.