PETER Anthony today testified that he did not deceive the Finance Ministry, former prime minister Najib Razak and former chief justice Zaki Azmi over a support letter pertaining to the service and maintenance of a mechanical and electrical (M&E) system at Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS).

The ex-Sabah infrastructure development minister also told the Kuala Lumpur sessions court that he did not deceive the prosecution witnesses or falsified the letter.

Peter said this during cross-examination on the second day of his trial on a charge of falsifying the support letter.

Najib, who is the 12th prosecution witness, earlier testified that he was angry at being deceived over the support letter for the M&E work contract, which needed his approval, being given to the defendant’s firm.

Peter said he had direct access to the then prime minster due to his close friendship with the latter’s chief private secretary, the late Azlin Alias.

On whether he had personally met Najib to lobby for any project, Peter said yes, as his company is a registered construction company.

Deputy public prosecutor Wan Shaharuddin Wan Ladin put to Peter that the latter had an advantage over other firms in getting a project as he had “lobby” access.

“Perhaps my company had the edge,” answered the defendant.

Peter, however, disagreed with the prosecution’s contention that there were companies using a third party to get the M&E work contract through open tender.

On a question whether he and his firm Asli Jati Engineering had any personal interest in the project if he got the contract, Peter said it will benefit not only his company, but also UMS, as it will not need to provide capital.

Peter’s driver, Imy Christopher, testified that his boss’ friend Mohd Shukur Mohd Din – who is a prosecution witness – had never visited Peter’s office at Plaza Damai in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, and that she had never met the man at the premises.

The second defence witness said no one else besides her could use the computer at Peter’s office as it had a password.

The hearing before judge Azura Alwi will continue on February 18. – Bernama, February 10, 2022.