A KEY prosecution witness in Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin’s graft trial conceded in the Kuala Lumpur High Court that he testified in the trial to 'save himself' from prosecution.
KCJ Engineering Sdn Bhd director Datuk Seri Azman Yusoff, 54, made the admission during intense cross-examination by defence counsel Datuk Hisyam Teh Poh Teik, who mounted a direct challenge to the witness’s credibility over payments allegedly solicited from contractors.
The admission emerged after the defence referred to earlier testimony by Nepturis Sdn Bhd founder Lian Tan Chuan, better known as TC Lian.
Lian told the court that Azman had asked him to contribute to Muhyiddin’s political party, Bersatu, and that he subsequently paid RM1 million to the party after Nepturis secured a RM141 million contract to construct the Klang Utara police headquarters.
When Hisyam noted that Lian had testified under oath that the RM1 million was requested in Azman’s capacity as president of the Bumiputera Contractors Association of Malaysia, Azman replied: “I don’t know.”
Hisyam then put it to Azman that his decision to testify for the prosecution was driven by self-preservation.
When Azman initially replied that he was “not sure”, presiding High Court judge Justice Noor Ruwena Md Nordin intervened to clarify the question.
“(The lawyer suggested) You came to this court as a witness to save yourself from being prosecuted. Do you agree or not?” Justice Noor Ruwena asked.
“Agreed,” Azman answered.
Azman rejected the defence’s suggestion that he had traded on Muhyiddin’s name to persuade contractors to make payments.
He also maintained a distinction between political contributions and bribes when pressed by Hisyam over whether he had accepted gratification from contractors.
Hisyam: “Did you receive bribe money from contractors? Do you agree or not?”
Azman: “I receive contributions from contractors.”
Hisyam: “I put it to you, the contributions you mention were actually bribes.”
Azman: “I disagree.”
Hisyam further suggested that Azman’s conduct could amount to offences under Sections 16 or 17 of the MACC Act, which cover the soliciting or accepting of gratification.
After Azman said he was unsure, Justice Noor Ruwena instructed the defence to explain the relevant statutory provisions to the witness before putting the question to him again.
Azman also confirmed that a graft complaint lodged against him remained “live”, acknowledging that the MACC had not issued any notification classifying the matter as “no further action”.
Muhyiddin, 79, faces four charges of using his position to obtain RM225.3 million in gratification in connection with the Jana Wibawa programme between March 1, 2020 and Aug 20, 2021.
The alleged payments involved Bukhary Equity Sdn Bhd, Nepturis Sdn Bhd, Mamfor Sdn Bhd, KCJ Engineering Sdn Bhd and Azman.
The former prime minister also faces three charges of receiving proceeds from unlawful activities totalling RM200 million, which were allegedly deposited into Bersatu’s bank accounts between February 2021 and July 2022.
The trial resumes on Sept 1. - August 27, 2026
