ULTRA Kirana Sdn Bhd (UKSB) had given financial aid to Ahmad Zahid Hamidi to boost its position as a Home Ministry contractor, the High Court in Shah Alam heard today.

UKSB former director Wan Quoris Shah Wan Abdul Ghani, 42, said with the assistance, the company not only secured support from the former deputy prime minister, but also reduced disruption from companies running the same business.

“Zahid asked for assistance, so we gave him assistance.

“What was important to us was to ensure our business was not disrupted as several other companies were also lobbying for our job.”

The company would not have been able to retain or extend contracts related to the foreign visa system (VLN) without Zahid’s help and support, he added.

Wan Quoris Shah said UKSB had also given Zahid cash on several occasions.

“The cash was given after he asked the company to make a political donation for Umno.

“He did not directly ask, but by the way he spoke, I understood that he expected a monetary contribution from UKSB.

“The company made the monthly contributions in cash, all in Singapore dollars. This was what (he) requested from us.”

The witness also said it is normal for businesses to lobby government officials for contracts.

“At the time, UKSB met (Zahid) to strengthen its position as the sole contractor to supply VLN for the Home Ministry.”

Zahid, 69, is facing 33 charges of receiving bribes amounting to S$13.56 million (RM42 million) from UKSB as an inducement for himself in his capacity as a civil servant and then home minister to extend the contract of the company as the operator of VLN and a one-stop centre in China, and maintain the agreement to supply VLN paraphernalia.

The trial continues on June 13. – Bernama, June 9, 2022.