Did other Yayasan Akalbudi trustees approve the RM1.3 million donation?

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Other Yayasan Akalbudi Trustees Did Not Raise Objections to the RM1.3 Million Donation

Ahmad Zahid Hamidi's defence team has argued that he should not be held liable for criminal breach of trust regarding the RM1.3 million donation from Yayasan Akalbudi to the police's football association. The defence contends that other trustees of the foundation were aware of the donation and did not voice any objections. This argument is based on previous testimonies from fellow trustees who, according to the defence, had knowledge of the transaction without expressing dissent.
Awareness of the Donation Among Trustees

Lawyer Hamidi Mohd Noh stated in court that it was undisputed that other trustees of Yayasan Akalbudi knew about the RM1.3 million donation to the police's football association. He referred to the testimonies of Muhammad Nabil Salleh and Datuk Khairuddin Tarmizi, who had previously stated their awareness of the donation. The defence's position is that this knowledge, coupled with their lack of objection, implies a form of tacit approval or at least no opposition to the transaction.
Rationale for the Donation

The defence asserts that the donation was made to address the financial difficulties faced by the police's football association. According to testimony cited by Hamidi, the association's football players had overdue salaries for some time. The RM1.3 million cheque, therefore, was presented as a means to provide financial assistance to these players, aligning with the foundation's objective to "eradicate poverty." This was supported by testimony from Datuk Zul Hisham Zainal, Ahmad Zahid's son-in-law, who described the cheque as a donation to help players in need of financial aid.
Yayasan Akalbudi's Memorandum and Articles of Association

Hamidi further argued that the donation was permissible under Yayasan Akalbudi's Memorandum and Articles of Association (M&A). He highlighted a clause within the M&A that allows for donations to local or national institutions or organisations. Additionally, he pointed to a general phrase in the preamble of the constitution, which mentions receiving and administering funds for the "eradication of poverty" and enhancing the welfare of the poor. The defence submits that assisting the football players with their overdue salaries falls within these stated objectives.

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Did other Yayasan Akalbudi trustees approve the RM1.3 million donation?

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