Kinabatangan MP Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin has firmly denied receiving any bribes from two Public Mutual Berhad investment agents related to a RM150 million Felcra Berhad investment around 10 years ago.
The UMNO Supreme Council member made the statement on Tuesday during the first day of his defense in a trial over three corruption charges totaling RM2.8 million, presided over by Judge Rosli Ahmad at the Sessions Court.
When questioned by his lawyer, Ridha Abdah Subri, Bung Moktar said there were no video recordings, photos, or documented conversations to support allegations that he received money from the two prosecution witnesses. He added that there was no evidence showing payments made to him directly or indirectly by the two investment agents—identified in court as prosecution witnesses 24 and 25, Madhi Abdul Hamid and Norhaili Ahmad Mokhtar.
“I did not receive any money, directly or indirectly. There is no evidence of funds being transferred to me. There is simply no proof,” he stated when asked whether the prosecution had submitted any documents, emails, or messages showing he agreed to accept the bribe.
When asked if he knew for certain that his wife, Datin Seri Zizie Izette A Samad, had received RM2.8 million from Madhi and Norhaili in June 2015, Bung Moktar replied: “I do not know.”
Further questioning asked if he had instructed or requested Zizie Izette to receive the money on his behalf. Bung Moktar denied this, stating he had no knowledge of such matters.
He also clarified that he was unaware of the issue until he was summoned to assist the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) investigation in 2016 or 2017. Regarding his wife’s investment accounts prior to her appointment as Non-Executive Chairman of Felcra Berhad, he said: “I did not know. Since marriage, it has been our understanding that their money is theirs, and I do not interfere.”
On May 3, 2019, Bung Moktar—then serving as Non-Executive Chairman of Felcra—was charged with two counts of corruption for allegedly receiving cash bribes of RM2.2 million and RM262,500 as an inducement for Felcra’s approval to invest RM150 million in Public Mutual unit trusts. The funds were allegedly received via his wife, Zizie Izette, and the Public Islamic Treasures Growth Fund account under her name.
The first two charges were said to have occurred at Public Bank, Taman Melawati branch, between 12:30 pm and 5 pm on June 12, 2015, and at 12:16 pm on June 19, 2015. The third charge alleges he received RM337,500 in cash from unit trust consultant Norhaili Ahmad Mokhtar via his wife at the same location on June 19, 2015, at around 12:28 pm.
The charges were filed under Section 17(a) of the MACC Act 2009, carrying penalties under Section 24(1) of up to 20 years’ imprisonment and fines of at least five times the bribe value or RM10,000, whichever is higher.
Zizie Izette also faces three charges of abetting her husband on the same matter, at the same time and location.
The trial will continue on Wednesday.
