Muhyiddin Jana Wibawa Trial: Prosecution’s Star Witness Admits Testifying to Avoid Criminal Charges

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 27 — Cross-examination in Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin’s Jana Wibawa trial brought major credibility challenges to light, as the prosecution’s key witness admitted under oath that his court appearance was motivated by a desire to save himself from criminal prosecution.

Testifying before High Court Judge Justice Noor Ruwena Md Nurdin, Datuk Seri Azman Yusoff—Managing Director of KCJ Engineering Sdn Bhd and President of the Bumiputera Contractors Association of Malaysia (PKBM)—conceded following questioning by defense counsel Datuk Hisyam Teh Poh Teik and subsequent judicial clarification that his primary motive for giving evidence was to avoid being charged himself.

Active MACC File and Defense Challenges

Azman confirmed that he was previously investigated as a suspect regarding a January 2023 Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) complaint alleging he solicited and received bribes related to Jana Wibawa projects. He acknowledged that the complaint remains active and “live,” as he has never received a “No Further Action” (NFA) letter from anti-graft investigators. However, he denied suggestions by Hisyam that he had entered into a formal “understanding” or immunity deal with the MACC in exchange for testifying against the former Prime Minister.

The defense launched a direct assault on the witness’s prior account of a July 2020 meeting at Tropicana Golf Club. Defense counsel Datuk Amer Hamzah Arshad suggested under cross-examination that Azman’s claim regarding Muhyiddin’s spontaneous remark on party donations was a “figment of your imagination as a result of watching and reading fiction books and stories.” Azman disagreed with the assertion.

Financial Transactions and Corporate Links

Under further cross-examination by Hisyam, Azman maintained a strict personal distinction between “bribes” and “contributions,” denying that funds he received constituted illegal gratification under Sections 16 or 17 of the MACC Act. He rejected defense assertions that he had “sold” or traded on Muhyiddin’s name to convince contractors to submit applications, and denied that a consultancy agreement between KCJ Engineering and Nepturis Sdn Bhd involving a RM1 million payment was a “sham” designed to disguise bribes.

Azman admitted to having an interest in Addeen Engineering Sdn Bhd—a company owned by his brother-in-law—but denied the defense’s suggestion that the more contractors he encouraged to apply under Jana Wibawa, the more money KCJ Engineering and Addeen Engineering stood to receive.

Regarding a RM1 million payment from Nepturis founder Lian Tan Chuan (TC Lian) following the award of the RM141 million Klang Utara district police headquarters (IPD) project, Azman stated he did not know whether Lian had made the payment because of Azman’s position as PKBM president.

Case Status

Muhyiddin, 79, faces seven active charges comprising four counts of abuse of power under Section 23(1) of the MACC Act 2009 involving RM225.3 million and three counts of money laundering under AMLA involving RM200 million.

The trial before Justice Noor Ruwena Md Nurdin has adjourned and will resume on September 1.

–NMT