Muhyiddin denies receiving RM1.3 million from UKSB, says was undergoing cancer treatment

Former home minister Muhyiddin Yassin today denied the testimony of a witness in Ahmad Zahid Hamidi’s graft trial that he had been the recipient of RM1.3 million from Ultra Kirana Sdn Bhd (UKSB) four years ago, saying he is ready to be investigated by anti-graft authorities over the matter.

In a statement, he said he had never received any money from David Tan Siong Sun, whether directly or indirectly, UKSB’s directors or its shareholders.

Tan, UKSB’s former administrative manager, told the Shah Alam High Court today that Muhyiddin was given the money in three cash transactions, on June 4, July 4 and Aug 23, 2018.

He said RM300,000 was given on June 4, RM500,000 on July 4 and RM500,000 on Aug 23.

Muhyiddin said Tan’s testimony gave the impression that he, too, had accepted bribes.

“This statement is false,” he added. “I strongly deny it.”

He said on the dates mentioned by Tan, he had in fact been undergoing treatment for cancer at a hospital in another country.

“At the time, I had undergone surgery for cancer and took leave for several months for follow-up treatment,” he said.

“My duties as home minister were assumed by the prime minister at the time, Dr Mahathir Mohamad. On the dates given by the witness, I was actually undergoing treatment at a hospital abroad. It would have been impossible for me to accept any cash bribes from anyone in that situation.”

Adding that he had never been questioned or investigated by the authorities, he urged the prosecution to explain the matter to prevent any slander against him.

“I am also ready to be investigated by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission about this,” he said.