As civil war within UMNO intensifies, several top leaders and warlords in UMNO is due to face judgement day in September, with regards to their respective corruption cases.
ROSMAH MANSOR
On 1 September, the Kuala Lumpur High Court will deliver its verdict on Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor’s corruption case involving a RM1.25 billion hybrid solar project for 369 rural schools in Sarawak.
Rosmah who is the wife of imprisoned former Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Najib Razak is facing one count of soliciting RM187.5 million and two counts of receiving bribes amounting RM6.5 million from Jepak Holdings Sdn Bhd managing director Saidi Abang Samsudin.
The bribes were allegedly received through her former aide, Datuk Rizal Mansor, as a reward for helping Jepak Holdings to secure the Hybrid Photovoltaic Solar System Integrated Project from the Education Ministry through direct negotiation.
BUNG MOKTAR RADIN, ZIZIE IZETTE ABDUL SAMAD
On 2 September, the Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court will decide if UMNO’s Sabah Deputy Chief Minister, Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin and his wife, Datin Seri Zizie Izette Abdul Samad will need to enter their defence on corruption charges amounting to RM2.8 million in relation to a Public Mutual Berhad unit trust investment.
Bung who is also Member of Parliament for Kinabatangan and Sabah UMNO Liaison Chairman is charged with three counts for allegedly obtaining a bribe amounting to RM2.8 million to ensure Felcra Berhad invested RM150 million in Public Mutual Berhad unit trusts.
Zizie, a former artist is charged with three counts for allegedly abetting her husband in obtaining the bribe or deliberately helped or conspired with her husband to commit the crime.
AZEEZ ABDUL RAHIM
On 5 September, the Court of Appeal will decide if former UMNO’s Baling Member of Parliament, Datuk Seri Abdul Azeez Abdul Rahim is allowed to strike out 13 corruption and money-laundering charges.
The former Tabung Haji Chairman is appealing against a High Court’s decision on 12 March 2021 which dismissed his application to strike out all 13 charges.
He is facing three corruption charges involving RM5.2 million in connection with road projects in Perak and Kedah, and 10 money laundering charges involving RM13.9 million, which he was alleged to have received from Menuju Asas Sdn Bhd.
AHMAD ZAHID HAMIDI
On 1, 2, 5 and 8 September, the Shah Alam High Court will hear the prosecution and defence’s final arguments, before deciding if a prima facie case is made against UMNO President, Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
Zahid who is also Bagan Datoh MP will be called to enter his defence and a trial would assume, if a prima facie case is made.
In this trial, the former Deputy Prime Minister is facing 47 charges, namely 12 counts of criminal breach of trust amounting RM31 million in relation to charitable foundation Yayasan Akalbudi’s funds, 27 counts of money-laundering and 8 counts of bribery charges amounting RM21.25 million.
