Khir’s trial: Witness accused of fabrication

SHAH ALAM: Freelance landscape designer Nasir Ismail, 55, who last week testified to receiving more than RM6 million in cash to renovate former Selangor menteri besar Dr Mohd Khir Toyo’s bungalow in Section 7, was today accused of fabrication.

Khir’s lawyer M Athimulan accused Nasir of fabricating his testimony as he had no documents to back up his claim.
“Because you keep saying you have no records, I put it to you that you met Khir in May 2007 and not March 2006, which was what you said last week… the total amount you received was only RM1.5million (and not RM6 million),” said the lawyer, but Nasir disagreed.


During re-examination by deputy public prosecutor Masri Mohd Daud, Nasir told the court that Khir was the one who said there was no need for receipts for their transactions.
“He said pay in cash, no need receipts,” said Nasir.


Khir, 46, was arrested by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) on Dec 6 last year and charged at the Shah Alam Sessions Court together with Shamsuddin, 55.


Khir was charged with obtaining – for himself and his wife Zahrah Kechik, 46 – two plots of land and a bungalow from Ditamas Sdn Bhd through Shamsuddin, at the price of RM3.5 million in 2007 when in fact the lots were bought by Ditamas on Dec 23, 2004 at the price of RM6.5 million.
The property was located at No 8 & 10, Jalan Suasa 7/1 L, Shah Alam.


The former Selangor opposition leader and Sungai Panjang assemblyman is said to have committed the offence at the Selangor menteri besar’s official residence at Jalan Permata 7/1, Shah Alam, on May 29, 2007.


The charge comes under Section 165 of the Penal Code which says that an offence is committed when a public servant obtains something at a much lower value from someone who he has dealings with in his official capacity.
If convicted, the offence carries a maximum two years’ jail term, fine, or both.


Shamsuddin was charged with abetting Khir.
However, Shamsuddin on June 6 was acquitted and discharged by the High Court after deputy public prosecutor Abdul Wahab Mohamad withdrew the charges against him.


He has since turned into a witness for the prosecution.
Khir’s Balinese-style mansion in Section 7, Shah Alam – dubbed Istana Dr Khir – was first raised by Sekinchan assemblyperson Ng Suee Lim who questioned Khir’s extravagance in the construction of the mansion and the price paid for the land.


Ng claimed that Khir constructed the 50,000 sq ft property at a cost of RM20 million and purchased the land for RM3.8 million, claims which were denied by the former Selangor Umno strongman.


Khir, who was menteri besar from August 2000 to February 2008, later sued Ng for defamation over the accusation.
Khir previously said he was “happy” over the court action brought against him, claiming that it would serve to clear his name as the house was bought on a “willing-seller, willing-buyer basis”. - FMT