Three Umno MPs jumped to Bersatu to avoid MACC probe after GE14

KUALA LUMPUR - Former deputy prime minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi told the High Court today that three Umno MPs have jumped parties due to fear of being investigated by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).

During the trial of his bribery, criminal breach of trust (CBT) and money laundering case before judge Datuk Collin Lawrence Sequerah, the Bagan MP said after the 14th General Election (GE14) in 2018, three out of 54 MPs that had won had jumped and joined Bersatu.

Under examination-in-chief by his lawyer Datuk Ahmad Zaidi Zainal, Zahid said within his knowledge, the three politicians were to be investigated by the anti-graft agency in relation to a few cases.

He said Pakatan Harapan's (PH) victory in GE14 had caused many to chicken out and had saved themselves by joining Bersatu.

"The first individual who jumped was the Masjid Tanah (Melaka) MP. I was told that she was given the trust to handle the funds for the general election including for Puteri Umno, but it was withdrawn and transferred to another account for personal use.

"The second one was a minister representing Jeli (Kelantan), prior to the general election, he was the Kelantan State liaison Committee chairman who was trusted to handle RM30 million. However, the money was not used for logistics for voters in the Klang Valley," he said.

When Zahid was about to mention the name of the third person, he was stopped by deputy public prosecutor Datuk Raja Rozela Raja Toran.

Rozela said Zahid could not link the misappropriation of the funds with any other parties except for the individuals called to testify in court.

She said Zahid's statement was a hearsay or a rumour and it could not be accepted.

Another lawyer representing Zahid, Hisyam Teh Poh Teik said the court was a place for his client to speak truthfully to defend himself.

"He is facing serious charges and must be given room to defend himself," he said.

Sequerah said to understand the issue brought up by the prosecution and whether it is allowed or not will be decided later.

"For the time being I agree with giving the defence room to present their case accordingly," he said.

Zahid was facing 47 charges, 12 of which were for CBT, eight for bribery and 27 money laundering counts involving millions of ringgit of funds belonging to charity foundation Yayasan Akalbudi.

The hearing continues.