SHAH ALAM: The prosecution in Ahmad Zahid Hamidi’s corruption trial involving the government’s foreign visa system told the High Court here today the former deputy prime minister took advantage of his then high position to “accumulate wealth”.
In her opening statement, deputy public prosecutor Raja Rozela Raja Toran contended that Zahid took bribes in different currencies – Singaporean dollar, euro and the US dollar – as well as ringgit from contractor Ultra Kirana Sdn Bhd.
Zahid, who was also the home minister then, allegedly received S$14.71 million, US$15,000, €5,000 and RM3.13 million in cash between 2014 and 2017.
The prosecution said the money was paid as an inducement for Zahid to extend Ultra Kirana’s contract to manage the visa system and the One-Stop Centre (OSC) in China.
“The prosecution will prove that the accused person (Zahid) was involved in Ultra Kirana’s appointment for the visa system through documentary and oral testimony,” Raja Rozela said.
She said the prosecution will call about 20 witnesses to prove the 40 corruption charges against Zahid.
“The court will hear evidence from witnesses on how the money was paid to the accused.
“At the end of the prosecution’s case, the court will see there was a link between Ultra Kirana’s appointment and money paid to the accused,” she said.
Deputy public prosecutors Wan Shaharuddin Wan Ladin, Gan Peng Kun and Lim Wai Keong also appeared for the prosecution. Zahid is represented by lawyers Ahmad Zaidi Zainal and Hamidi Mohd Noh.
The hearing is before High Court judge Mohd Yazid Mustafa.-FMT