TAN Sri Muhyiddin Yassin was among three Bersatu leaders authorised to sign cheques for the party’s CIMB Bank account, which was used to receive political donations and membership fees, the High Court heard today.
Bersatu’s finance officer Muhammad Zulhelmi Zaulkafly, 34, told the court that the account had two signatories, with the party’s then Treasurer General— Datuk Mohamed Salleh Bajuri serving as the mandatory signatory.
The other authorised signatories were Muhyiddin, who was Bersatu president at the time, and deputy president Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu.
“Bersatu had two bank accounts, one with AmBank and another with CIMB Bank. Both accounts were monitored by the Treasurer General,” he told the court.
Muhammad Zulhelmi was testifying during Muhyiddin's trial, who is facing seven charges involving alleged abuse of power and money laundering.
During examination-in-chief by Deputy Public Prosecutor Mahadi Abdul Jumaat, the witness said the CIMB account was used to receive contributions and membership payments, while the AmBank account was used for administrative and operational expenses.
Mahadi: “So, all donations or contributions from members of the public or companies would be deposited into which account?”
Muhammad Zulhelmi: “The CIMB Bank account.”
The witness also said the Treasurer General was responsible for presenting Bersatu’s financial matters to the party’s Supreme Leadership Council (MPT).
When asked whether the MPT included the party president, Muhammad Zulhelmi replied: “Yes.”
However, during cross-examination by lawyer Chetan Jethwani, who represented Muhyiddin, the witness agreed that no individual had exclusive control over Bersatu’s finances despite being named as a bank signatory.
On the party’s Management Committee, Muhammad Zulhelmi said Muhyiddin supervised the body by keeping himself informed of its role and the party’s administrative affairs.
Muhyiddin, 79, who was prime minister and Bersatu president during the period in question, faces four charges of using his position to obtain bribes amounting to RM225.3 million for the party from three companies — Bukhary Equity Sdn Bhd, Nepturis Sdn Bhd and Mamfor Sdn Bhd — as well as Datuk Azman Yusoff, in connection with the Jana Wibawa programme.
He is alleged to have committed the offences at the Prime Minister’s Office, Bangunan Perdana Putra, Putrajaya, between March 1, 2020 and Aug 20, 2021, under Section 23(1) of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2009.
If convicted, the offence carries a maximum jail term of 20 years and a fine of five times the amount of gratification or RM10,000, whichever is higher.
The Pagoh MP is also facing three money laundering charges involving RM200 million allegedly received from Bukhary Equity Sdn Bhd, which was deposited into Bersatu’s AmBank and CIMB Bank accounts in Petaling Jaya and Kuala Lumpur between February 2021 and July 2022.
The trial before Judge Noor Ruwena Md Nurdin continues on Aug 17. – July 29, 2026
