Did former minister Mahdzir Khalid seek payment for Sarawak solar project?

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Mahdzir Khalid's Request for Payment Denied by Jepak Holdings Director

Jepak Holdings managing director Saidi Abang Samsudin testified that former Education Minister Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid did not request any reward for his assistance in securing the hybrid solar projects for 369 rural schools in Sarawak. This statement directly contradicts the earlier testimony of Saidi's business partner, Rayyan Radzwill Abdullah, who had told the court that Mahdzir had sought 20 per cent of the project's value. Saidi's testimony was presented during the High Court trial concerning Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor's alleged bribery charges related to the RM1.25 billion project.
Conflicting Testimonies on Payment Request

During proceedings, lawyer Datuk Akberdin Abdul Kader, representing Rosmah Mansor, suggested that Mahdzir Khalid had asked for 20 per cent of the project's value, estimated at RM250 million, in exchange for his help. Saidi Abang Samsudin unequivocally disagreed with this suggestion, stating that Mahdzir made no such request. Akberdin further pressed Saidi, proposing that the 20 per cent was later reduced to RM60 million, with an agreement purportedly sealed between Saidi and Mahdzir, involving monthly payments of RM1 million for five years. Saidi denied the existence of any such agreement with Mahdzir.
Agreement with Md Fuad Yasin

While denying any direct agreement with Mahdzir Khalid, Saidi Abang Samsudin admitted to an agreement with Md Fuad Yasin. He stated that he offered RM60 million to Md Fuad after Md Fuad promised to secure a Letter of Acceptance for the solar hybrid project within a month. Saidi indicated that he was unaware of Md Fuad Yasin's specific relationship or connection to Mahdzir Khalid, despite Akberdin's repeated suggestions that Md Fuad acted as Mahdzir's proxy. Saidi explained his belief in Md Fuad's potential influence by noting that both were politicians and might possess relevant contacts.
Payments to Ahmad Aazmey Abu Talib

The testimony also addressed the role of Pekan Umno division secretary Datuk Ahmad Aazmey Abu Talib. Saidi Abang Samsudin confirmed an agreement, signed on July 19, 2016, to give RM50 million to Ahmad Aazmey for his assistance in securing the project. Saidi also acknowledged making monthly payments to Ahmad Aazmey from December 2016 until the project was awarded, though he could not recall the exact amount or confirm if it reached RM2 million. Additionally, Saidi admitted to paying RM40,000 for the accommodation of Padang Terap Umno divisional delegates during the 2016 Umno general assembly.

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Did former minister Mahdzir Khalid seek payment for Sarawak solar project?

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