MAHDZIR Khalid has called on the public not to speculate on him based on “one-sided” statements by a witness in Rosmah Mansor’s graft trial.

“I believe that the courts will determine whether the facts are right or wrong, based on the testimonies given during the trial.

“As such, I urge the public and media not to come to any conclusion based on one-sided sources,” said the Tenaga Nasional Bhd chairman in a statement issued in Parliament today.

He said he is consulting his lawyers on the next step to take to defend his name and interests.

“I haven’t decided on the next course of legal action as I’m not sure what was said in court. I have, however, instructed my lawyers to get the court notes before deciding.”

He said he was shocked to learn of Rayyan Radzwill Abdullah’s testimony yesterday that “payments amounting to millions” were made to him – the then education minister – and Pekan Umno secretary Ahmad Aazmey Abu Talib for their help in securing a RM1.25 billion solar project for Sarawak rural schools in 2016.

When he took the witness stand in the early parts of the trial, Mahdzir denied asking for payments.

Rayyan, a consultant with Jepak Holdings Sdn Bhd, told the court that the former minister asked for a contribution amounting to 20% of the project value from Saidi Abang Samsudin.

The witness was testifying for the prosecution in Rosmah’s ongoing trial. The wife of former prime minister Najib Razak is accused of receiving RM5 million and RM1.5 million from Jepak managing director Saidi in 2016 and 2017, respectively, in return for helping the company land the project.

Rayyan, during cross-examination by defence lawyer Akberdin Abdul Kader, agreed with the suggestion that Mahdzir asked for a contribution.

Akberdin also suggested that the Padang Terap MP sought RM1 million per month for 60 months, but Rayyan was unable to verify this.

He did say, however, that Jepak paid RM40,000 to Mahdzir. – August 4, 2020.