By Hafiz Yatim, and Timothy Achariam | The Edge Malaysia
A Nepturis Sdn Bhd director Aliza Abdul Malek told the High Court that former prime minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin had no knowledge of the company’s private arrangements and no interest in the firm, which was awarded the RM141 million IPD Klang Utara contract.
Aliza said Nepturis’ official shareholding showed her and Mohd Rizman Akum Khan each holding 50%, but a private verbal agreement gave them 35% each, with businessman Lian Tian Chuan or TC Lian, owning the remaining 30%. The arrangement was not formally documented.
The 13th prosecution witness is testifying in Muhyiddin’s trial, where he faces seven charges involving alleged abuse of power, receiving RM225.3 million in gratification, and money laundering of RM200 million.
He is accused of receiving bribes from businessman Datuk Azman Yusoff and three companies, including Nepturis and Mamfor Sdn Bhd, allegedly for the benefit of Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu).
Nepturis is alleged to have contributed RM1 million to Muhyiddin’s Bersatu on Feb 16, 2022.
Amer Hamzah: The Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM), the Contractor Services Centre or the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) does not know this arrangement (company listed as Bumiputera status) as this is a private arrangement with TC Lian?
Aliza: Yes.
Amer Hamzah: You did not supply this information to Tan Sri Muhyiddin or the Finance Ministry?
Aliza: Yes.
Amer Hamzah: Do you agree that when Tan Sri [Muhyiddin] became PM, he did not know the arrangement between TC, Rizman and you?
Aliza: Yes.
Amer Hamzah: Tan Sri [Muhyiddin] does not have any interests in Nepturis?
Aliza: I agree.
Amer Hamzah: If the prosecution or anyone says Tan Sri has interests, it is not correct?
Aliza: I agree.
Amer Hamzah: Tan Sri has no ties with you?
Aliza: Correct.
Amer Hamzah: Tan Sri do not know anything about Nepturis?
Aliza: Yes.
Company obtained three other projects besides IPD Klang Utara
Aliza, who worked as a procurement clerk before becoming a Nepturis director, told the court that TC Lian offered her and Rizman director positions in the company.
She said her role was to manage office matters, procurement and staff payments while Rizman handled project coordination and attended meetings with the Public Works Department (JKR).
Aliza said Lian provided funding for Nepturis’ construction projects and remained involved in company affairs by giving instructions, with no objection from her and Rizman. She said she and Rizman managed the company while Lian continued to be involved.
Besides the RM141 million IPD Klang Utara project, Nepturis was also offered three other projects: the National Centre for Disease Control in Enstek, the central spine road project in Kerteh, and a school project in Bukit Petiti, Terengganu.
She said she joined Nepturis with a starting salary of RM4,000 and now earns RM6,500 as a director, along with a RM6,000 allowance and occasional bonuses. However, she has not received any dividends as the four projects are still ongoing.
“I have known [TC] Lian for a long time and he had given Rizman and I an opportunity to improve our family livelihood. Rizman and I would manage the company while [TC] Lian would also give instructions and get involved in the company affairs. We (Rizman and I) have no objection to Lian’s involvement,” she said.
Only Lian can answer if Muhyiddin knows about real power behind Nepturis
During re-examination, Aliza said she and Rizman had authority to sign Nepturis’ financial documents.
She added that Lian’s 30% stake was based on a personal agreement between the three, where TC Lian would receive 30% of profits from the projects.
Noralis: When you replied that Tan Sri Muhyiddin does not know the arrangement over Nepturis, [TC] Lian and yourself, what do you mean?
Aliza: Personally, I do not know if Tan Sri knows about the company and what I am testifying here in this trial is with regards to the IPD Klang Utara.
Noralis: Who can answer this issue [whether Tan Sri Muhyiddin] knows or not?
Aliza: Lian.
Noralis: You have disagreed with the defence suggestion that there are elements of a slight cheat with regards to the project, can you explain?
Aliza: The company was handed to me and Rizman while Lian would inject capital. Rizman and my name are legitimate directors for the company according to SSM.
Noralis: Between 2018 and this year, there has not been any legal action taken against Nepturis?
Aliza: No.
Edited by Presenna Nambiar
