Prosecution Witness Confirms Never Meeting Muhyiddin as Defence Highlights Absence of Direct Contact in Jana Wibawa Trial

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 20 — A key prosecution witness in the Jana Wibawa trial told the High Court today that he had never met, spoken to, or held discussions with former Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, nor did the former premier ever solicit any political contributions from him or his company.

Testifying as the 21st prosecution witness, Metrasys Sdn Bhd director Lian Tan Chuan agreed with defense counsel Datuk Amer Hamzah Arshad during cross-examination that he did not know the former Perikatan Nasional chairman personally.

Lian confirmed under oath that Muhyiddin had never asked for any political donations or financial contributions for himself or Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu).

The confirmation aligns with the defense’s position that the former prime minister had no direct involvement in or communication regarding the political contributions discussed by third parties.

Cross-examined on the RM1 million contribution made following the issuance of the Letter of Acceptance (SST) for the North Klang District Police Headquarters (IPD) project, Lian clarified that the payment was requested by Datuk Azman Yusoff, rather than the former prime minister.

Addressing questions regarding his business operations, Lian stated that he had never intended to deceive the Ministry of Finance (MOF) or the Malaysian government to secure projects under the Jana Wibawa initiative.

He explained that he established Nepturis Sdn Bhd to participate in Bumiputera-focused opportunities, as opportunities for non-Bumiputera companies like Metrasys were limited, while ensuring compliance with Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) licensing rules.

Muhyiddin, 79, faces four charges under Section 23(1) of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Act 2009 and three charges under Section 4(1)(b) of the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001 (AMLA).

The defense maintains that all political donations received by Bersatu were legitimate political funds and that the former prime minister did not abuse his official position.

The trial before High Court Judge Noor Ruwena Md Nurdin continues tomorrow.

-NMT