Why were transactions allegedly made secretive without written instructions?

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Transactions Allegedly Made Secretive Without Written Instructions Due to Alleged Money Laundering Scheme

The prosecution argued that transactions were conducted secretly and without written instructions in Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi's alleged money laundering scheme to obscure the true ownership and origin of funds, and to avoid mandatory reporting procedures. This secretive approach, involving mere verbal instructions to intermediaries like law firm partner Muralidharan Balan Pillai and moneychanger Omar Ali, was central to the alleged process of transforming and concealing illicit funds. The prosecution presented this lack of documentation as evidence that the funds were not genuinely intended for charitable purposes but were instead part of a complex scheme to benefit Ahmad Zahid.
Verbal Instructions Facilitated Secrecy in Fund Handling

The prosecution contended that the method of providing only verbal instructions to Muralidharan Balan Pillai and Omar Ali regarding the handling of millions of ringgit was a deliberate tactic to maintain secrecy. This absence of written instructions or formal appointments for these individuals to receive large sums of cash was highlighted as a key indicator of the alleged illicit nature of the transactions. This approach allowed for a more direct and less traceable flow of funds, aligning with common money laundering techniques that aim to obscure the trail of money.
Transformation of Funds Aimed to Evade Reporting Requirements

A core element of the alleged money laundering scheme involved transforming the structure and form of the funds to circumvent financial regulations. Specifically, Omar Ali's conversion of RM7.5 million in cash into 35 cheques payable to law firm Lewis & Co's client account over nearly two months was cited as an example. This conversion, conducted without proper documentation and based purely on trust from Ahmad Zahid, was presented as a method to structure transactions in a way that avoided mandatory reporting procedures that would typically apply to direct cash deposits.
Control Maintained Through Oral Directives and Fund Usage

Despite the alleged lack of written instructions, the prosecution argued that Ahmad Zahid maintained control over the funds throughout the process. This control was allegedly exercised through his direct verbal instructions to the law firm regarding significant transactions, such as the issuance of an RM8.6 million cheque for share purchases and the RM5.9 million purchase of two bungalows. The prosecution asserted that the ultimate use of these funds for personal benefit, such as acquiring property and shares, rather than for documented charitable purposes, demonstrated the underlying intent of the alleged money laundering scheme.

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Why were transactions allegedly made secretive without written instructions?

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