ABDUL Hadi Awang’s London lawyers have conceded in court that a recording of a PAS member admitting party members had accepted money from Umno is genuine, Sarawak Report said today.

PAS president Hadi will, however, endeavour to show the court that the words in the recording have been misconstrued, in his defamation suit against Sarawak Report. 

The “correct interpretation” of the recording will be set out in Hadi’s reply to the defence at the London High Court on July 31, said barrister Jacob Dean, Hadi’s legal counsel.

Trial is set to begin April 1.

Hadi’s lawyer indicated that Nik Mohamad Abduh Nik Abdul Aziz, the voice in the controversial audio recording, and others present at the conversation in the recording, believed to include Hadi’s son-in-law, Zaharuddin Muhammad, would be called to give evidence at the trial.

“We anticipate eight or nine witnesses (for) issues raised by the truth defence. There are allegations that owners of a religious school received funds. Allegations that the claimant’s political secretary, who was running the election campaign, knew of relevant payments. Then the claimant’s close associate, Dr Marzuki, finally admitted that PAS had received a payment…” Dean told the judge.

“It seems likely he (Dr Marzuki) needs to give evidence. (Also the) Treasurer of PAS. Also the trustees of an account that is said to have received corrupt funds, at least one, possibly two, of those (trustees). That takes you to six. Then there is the man on the tape, Nik Abduh. That’s our preliminary estimate for witnesses on what is pleaded.”

The judge was also informed that Hadi intended to fly these people from KL to London to support his case and contest the allegations of the Sarawak Report.

Hadi is suing Sarawak Report editor Clare Rewcastle-Brown for defamation over an article alleging PAS had received RM90 million in bribes from Umno.

He had previously denounced the audio recording submitted by the defence as fake, as had Nik Abduh, who is the son of former PAS leader Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat.

Nik Abduh said on Facebook in February 28 that the allegation that he was the voice in the recording was “rubbish and slander”, declaring God would punish those distributing the audio clip and accusing him of graft.

“PAS is a party that doesn’t get involved in matters that are prohibited by Islam, including taking bribes from Umno and following DAP around,” he wrote.

The English translation of a transcript of the recording follows:

“During the Sarawak Election, people did cooperate with Umno to defeat DAP. Regarding the monetary issue, the fatwa was already in place. It was apparent that Tok Guru Nik Aziz took Umno’s money, Tok Guru Haji Hadi took Umno’s money, I took Umno’s money, everyone accused took Umno’s money!

Among the reasons why we succeeded was with Umno’s help. Umno helped us to achieve victory. In 10-11 of these activities. That is us being smart. Umno is stupid. Why do people keep asking us about Umno’s money? This issue is now over. Tok Guru Nik Aziz took a considerable amount of Umno’s money. Not a problem? Tok Guru Harun Din, not a problem. This meeting today not a problem.

…. I have met Tok Guru Haji Hadi. Tok Guru Haji Hadi said lucky you, taking Umno’s money. Just do whatever we want. But do not use the money for our private matters, for our personal gain. Instead, use it for Islamic purposes. That’s why we have good relations with Umno today… why Najib can even accept RUU amendments.” – June 28, 2018.