Banker Verifies RM19.3 Million Deposits
A banker has confirmed in court that RM19.3 million was deposited into a political party’s bank account as part of the corruption trial involving former Malaysian prime minister Muhyiddin Yassin.
According to a report by Malay Mail, the money entered an account belonging to Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia between August 2021 and November 2022.
Testifying at the High Court in Kuala Lumpur, CIMB KL Sentral branch manager Lee Hui Nee verified that a total of 28 cheques amounting to RM19.3 million were deposited into Bersatu’s account with CIMB Bank.
Lee appeared as the prosecution’s second witness in the corruption and money-laundering case.
Cheques from Individuals and Companies
The banker told the court that the deposits were verified using the physical cheques and Bersatu’s bank statements.
Among the cheques were four issued by businessman Azman Yusoff through CIMB, amounting to RM4 million. Another cheque worth RM1 million came from Mamfor Sdn Bhd via Bank Muamalat Malaysia Berhad.
The funds were part of a larger flow of money into the party’s account during that period. Lee told prosecutors that the total amount moving through the account during the timeframe reached tens of millions of ringgit.
When asked in court, she confirmed that the deposits occurred after December 2020.
“Red Flags” Triggered Suspicious Transaction Reports
Lee also told the court that the bank’s internal monitoring system flagged unusual activity in the account.
Under banking procedures, accounts showing unusually large or frequent transactions can trigger suspicious transaction reports (STRs). These reports are typically sent from the branch to the bank’s headquarters, which may then submit them to Bank Negara Malaysia.
The banker confirmed that such reports had been raised concerning the Bersatu account.
She explained that the alerts were triggered because both the number of transactions and the amounts involved were unusually high compared to the account’s expected profile.
However, Lee clarified that an STR does not necessarily mean a transaction is illegal. The decision on whether any wrongdoing occurred would ultimately be determined by the central bank.
Bank Records and Account Details
The court also heard details about Bersatu’s bank account.
Lee said the party opened the account at the KL Sentral branch in September 2016. In the account application form, the organisation was described as a political party, while its declared source of funds was listed as “investor.”
She noted that companies typically list business income as their source of funds, while the form did not specify the nature of the “investment.”
Lee also confirmed that Muhyiddin was not the sole signatory to the account. Several party leaders were authorised signatories, meaning the former prime minister did not have exclusive control over withdrawals.
However, she said deposits into the account did not require approval from those signatories.
According to the banker, Bersatu’s account held more than RM88 million before the RM19.3 million was deposited. After the final cheque was processed in November 2022, the balance still exceeded RM13.4 million.
Background of the Corruption and Money Laundering Case
Muhyiddin, 78, is facing multiple corruption and money-laundering charges linked to the Jana Wibawa programme, a government initiative introduced during the Covid-19 pandemic to accelerate projects for Bumiputera contractors.
Prosecutors allege that he abused his position as both prime minister and Bersatu president to obtain bribes for the party. The case involves alleged payments from several companies. Authorities claim the payments were tied to government projects under the Jana Wibawa initiative.
Muhyiddin faces four charges of abusing his position to obtain bribes totalling more than RM225 million for the party. He also faces separate charges under anti-money laundering laws over funds allegedly deposited into Bersatu’s bank accounts.
If convicted, the offences carry potential prison sentences and substantial financial penalties under Malaysian anti-corruption and anti-money laundering legislation. The trial is being heard before High Court judge Noor Ruwena Md Nurdin and is expected to continue with further witness testimony.
Find a report here.
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