ROSMAH Mansor’s lawyer today accused the prosecution’s sixth witness, Madinah Mohamad, of making contradictory statements about a solar hybrid project for Sarawak rural schools that was awarded to the Education Ministry.

Akberdin Abdul Kader told the former ministry secretary-general that she was supportive of the project when she held the post in 2016, but is now condemning it in court.

The lawyer began his cross-examination by pointing out that Madinah on Thursday testified that the diesel generator sets normally used at Sarawak schools more effectively ensured a continuous supply of electricity.

He highlighted a memo, dated June 16, 2016, that Madinah wrote to then education minister Mahdzir Khalid, showing a different stand.

In the memo, she pushed for a solar hybrid system, saying it was a better alternative to diesel generator sets.

The RM1.25 billion solar project awarded to Jepak Holdings Sdn Bhd was allegedly facilitated by Rosmah, who faces a charge of soliciting RM187.5 million as an inducement to help the company secure the contract.

The wife of former prime minister Najib Razak also faces two charges of receiving bribes totalling RM6.5 million from the Jepak Holdings managing director.

Akberdin: In your witness statement, you mentioned that the diesel gen-set method was effective. Even today, you agreed that the set is important. However, based on your memo to the (then) education minister, you told him that solar hybrid was a better alternative. This is a contradiction.

Madinah: I disagree.

Akberdin: What do you mean you disagree? I’m referring to your very own statement and memo. These are your very own words. You supported solar hybrid then, (but) now, you’re supporting the diesel gen-set (method).

Madinah: In that manner, there is a contradiction.

Akberdin said Madinah changed her stand after the matter was brought to court, and she is now seeking a scapegoat.

Akberdin: This project was in 2015 and 2016. Today, you came to court to condemn this project. I put it to you that your action in court, saying that your decision was based on the PM’s minutes on June 7, 2016, (is in) bad faith. When it concerns you, you find a scapegoat, to push the blame to others. Correct?

Madinah: Not true.

The lawyer was referring to minutes written by then prime minister Najib to Mahdzir, which Madinah previously testified on.

She had said the minutes instructed that the diesel generator sets be replaced with the solar hybrid system.

Akberdin accused her of having a “vested interest” in the project, and of failing to inform Najib that the project was not viable.

Akberdin: The PM is a very busy man. Anything that is wrong should be brought up to him directly. You have to write to him, explain that you cannot proceed with the project.

Madinah: Not true.

Akberdin: Why not true? Wasn’t it your duty as a ‘pegawai pengawal’ (controlling officer at the ministry)?

Madinah: Not true.

Akberdin: Did you or did you not explain to him?

Madinah: I informed him when we met in Parliament that the Education Ministry couldn’t do this project because we didn’t have the budget.

Akberdin: But in your witness statement, you never mentioned explaining to Najib about the project being not viable. So, you never told him that?

Madinah: Yes.

Madinah retired as Education Ministry secretary-general on September 2, 2016. She was appointed by Najib as auditor-general in 2017, and was replaced last year.

Yesterday, she testified that the solar project did not follow procedures on price negotiations, and that Najib approved it in a hurry.

Rosmah, 69, is accused of pocketing the bribes in 2016 and 2017.

Akberdin will continue cross-examining Madinah tomorrow.

Court was adjourned for today after he told judge Mohamed Zaini Mazlan that he is still unwell and has been given a medical certificate with advice for him to rest. – February 18, 2020.