A RM1 million cheque issued to Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) by a company awarded a RM141 million Jana Wibawa project came under scrutiny at the Kuala Lumpur High Court on Friday as the corruption trial of former prime minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin continued.
Nepturis Sdn Bhd managing director Mohd Rizman Akum Khan, the prosecution's 16th witness, testified that the cheque was issued in February 2022 at the instruction of the company's financier, Lian Tian Chuan, also known as TC Lian.
However, Mohd Rizman told the court he did not know whether the payment was intended as a political donation or an incentive, insisting that only TC Lian could answer that question.
During cross-examination, defence counsel Datuk Amer Hamzah Arshad asked whether TC Lian had ever explained the purpose of the payment.
“No,” The Edge cited Mohd Rizman saying.
Amer Hamzah then suggested: “I suggest to you this is not a form of gratification.”
“I am not sure,” the witness answered.
During re-examination, Deputy Public Prosecutor Datuk Wan Shaharuddin Wan Ladin asked the witness to explain the difference between a donation and an incentive.
“A donation is derma. An incentive may be a form of help (pertolongan) to return the favour (balas budi),” Mohd Rizman said.
When asked who could determine the true nature of the RM1 million payment, he replied: “TC Lian.”
Mohd Rizman also agreed with the defence that he had never reported TC Lian to the authorities for any corruption-related offence.
He further confirmed that although Nepturis had previously carried out cash transactions, the RM1 million payment to Bersatu was made by cheque rather than in cash.
Asked whether the cheque payment was more transparent than cash transactions, he replied: “Agree.”
The witness also testified that Muhyiddin had never communicated with him directly throughout the process of securing the government contract or after progress payments were made.
He confirmed that all official dealings concerning the project were conducted with the Public Works Department (JKR).
“As long as Muhyiddin had served as the Prime Minister, you never received any form of communication from Muhyiddin?” Amer Hamzah asked.
“Agree,” Mohd Rizman replied.
“Muhyiddin had never even sent his regards (kirim salam) to you?”
“Agree.”
Mohd Rizman also clarified earlier testimony regarding Nepturis' ownership structure.
While company director Aliza Abd Malek had previously testified that she and Mohd Rizman each owned 50 per cent of the company, he said the actual shareholding comprised 35 per cent each for himself and Aliza, while TC Lian held the remaining 30 per cent through Metrasys Sdn Bhd.
He denied any intention to mislead the Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM), describing the arrangement as part of a "business strategy".
“He will hand over Nepturis entirely to us. It’s just that at that juncture, Aliza and I needed capital support and guidance for Nepturis’ progress.
“Aliza and I have been with TC Lian for a long time, and this is a golden opportunity for us to upgrade ourselves and move forward towards a better future,” he said.
When questioned by trial judge Justice Noor Ruwena Md Nurdin over why the actual ownership was not declared to the SSM, Mohd Rizman maintained it was intended to protect both companies.
“It was just a business strategy. Even if TC Lian is showed to own 30%, the company Metrasys is a 100% non-Bumiputera company. We wanted it to be separate, because if that company goes bankrupt, it won't impact Nepturis [and vice versa],” he said.
Mohd Rizman has completed his testimony.
TC Lian is expected to testify as one of the prosecution's witnesses when the trial resumes on July 27.
Muhyiddin, 79, is facing seven charges comprising four counts of abuse of power involving RM225.3 million in alleged gratification and three counts of money laundering involving RM200 million.
The prosecution alleges that he received bribes from businessman Datuk Azman Yusoff and three companies, including Nepturis Sdn Bhd and Mamfor Sdn Bhd, for the benefit of Bersatu. - July 17, 2026
