Did Ultra Kirana lobby Najib and Zahid to block competitors?

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Ultra Kirana Sdn Bhd lobbied Datuk Seri Najib Razak and Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi to prevent competitors from managing the government's Foreign Visa System (VLN).

The director of Ultra Kirana Sdn Bhd (UKSB), Datuk Fadzil Ahmad, testified that the company actively sought the approval and continued support of the Barisan Nasional administration through direct correspondence with both Datuk Seri Najib Razak and Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. This lobbying effort was specifically aimed at preventing potential competitors from gaining control over the government's Foreign Visa System (VLN) from 2013 onwards. UKSB had developed the VLN system and intended to expand its use to countries including Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, India, and Myanmar.
Lobbying Efforts Directed at Najib Razak

Datuk Fadzil Ahmad confirmed that he sent a total of three signed letters to Datuk Seri Najib Razak between May 2013 and October 2015. These communications were part of UKSB's strategy to secure government backing amidst interest from other companies keen on managing the OSC operations in China and other nations. UKSB's objective was to establish the VLN as a unified system for processing Malaysian visa applications across various overseas One Stop Centres (OSCs).
Communications with Ahmad Zahid for Contract Extension

Regarding Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Fadzil Ahmad affirmed signing several letters to him between February 2016 and June 2017. These letters were intended to solicit support and consideration for a contract extension to maintain UKSB's existing agreement to supply and operate the VLN system. One letter, dated October 17, 2016, specifically requested Ahmad Zahid's backing to make the VLN and eVISA systems the de facto standard for all visa issuance processes at all issuing offices, citing the need for system uniformity and national security.
Pursuit of a Six-Year Contract Extension

On the same date, October 17, 2016, Fadzil Ahmad also wrote to Ahmad Zahid concerning UKSB's application for a six-year contract extension for the VLN and eVISA systems. This extension would have run from October 2019 to the end of 2025. UKSB's justification for this request, further detailed in a letter to Ahmad Zahid in February 2017, was that it was reasonable and aligned with the government's implementation of its National Immigration Control System (SKIN).
Allegations of Bribery and Contractual Agreements

Ahmad Zahid is currently facing 33 charges related to receiving bribes totalling S$13.56 million (RM42 million) from UKSB. These alleged bribes were reportedly received in his capacity as the then home minister, as an inducement to extend the company's contract as the operator of OSCs in China and the VLN system, and to maintain the agreement for supplying VLN integrated system paraphernalia. He faces an additional seven charges for obtaining cash amounts totalling S$1,150,000, RM3 million, €15,000, and US$15,000 from the same company in connection with his official duties.

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Did Ultra Kirana lobby Najib and Zahid to block competitors?

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