by RAHIMI YUNUS/ pic by ARIF KARTONO

POLITICAL contributions meant for former Prime Minister (PM) Datuk Seri Mohd Najib Razak’s political parties were given through his wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor (picture) in connection to the RM1.25 billion solar power supply project award.

In Rosmah’s graft trial, Jepak Holdings Sdn Bhd MD Saidi Abang Samsudin testified that he intended to make political contributions to Najib as a token of appreciation after the company secured the contract from the Education Ministry.

The 17th prosecution witness told the Kuala Lumpur (KL) High Court that he decided to make the political contributions through the wife because Najib was a busy man at the time.

He said the matter had been conveyed to Rosmah’s former aide Datuk Rizal Mansor.

During cross-examination, Saidi agreed with Rosmah’s defence counsel Datuk Akberdin Abdul Kader that the political contributions were for the stability of Barisan Nasional (BN) and Umno.

Akberdin: “As a token of appreciation for the minute by the (then) PM on Dec 1, 2015, approving the solar project, you wanted to make a contribution for the political stability of BN and Umno?

Saidi: “Yes.”

Akberdin: “After expressing the intention to Rizal, you asked him to arrange a meeting with Rosmah?”

Saidi: “Yes.”

Akberdin: “After and before going to the PM’s residence, you discussed with Rizal and mentioned your intention to give 10% of the value of the project as political contribution?”

Saidi: “Yes.”

Rosmah has been charged with soliciting RM187.5 million and two counts of receiving a total bribe of RM6.5 million from Saidi through Rizal concerning the project to replace the electric generator system in 369 rural schools in Sarawak with a solar hybrid.

Akberdin asked Saidi on Rosmah’s reaction after he expressed his intention to make the political contribution at her residence in Jalan Langgak Duta, KL, between January and February 2016.

Akberdin: “After you made the offer, Rosmah did not respond, she just kept quiet?”

Saidi: “She only said ‘hmm’.”

Akberdin: “Rosmah also did not bargain, (like) for the 10% to be increased to 15%?”

Saidi: “Correct.” When he was examined by deputy public prosecutor Datuk Seri Gopal Sri Ram previously, Saidi testified that Rosmah did not reject or ask him to leave when the political contribution offer was made.

Akberdin argued that Rosmah did not say “accept”, in which Saidi replied: “She kept quiet.” Saidi also said Rosmah did not look surprised and behaved normally at the time.

The trial continues today.