KUALA LUMPUR: Former Umno treasurer Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor and the lead prosecutor in his corruption trial got into a heated argument today.
The drama unfolded when deputy public prosecutor Julia Ibrahim asked him to explain his allegation in his witness statement that the charges against him were “irrelevant.”
The former Federal Territories Minister, who was testifying on the third day of his defence, became infuriated and accused the prosecution of trying to tarnish his reputation since day one of the trial.
“You are trying to tarnish my reputation since day one of this trial… you talk to the press and discriminate against me… this is not fair.
“I was former minister in the Prime Minister's Department looking after the law…I know where you are going with your line of questions.
“Why are you still charging me if you can drop the same charges against the former Finance Minister before,” he said.
Tengku Adnan did not name the former Finance Minister, but prosecutors had previously dropped corruption charges against Lim Guan Eng when Pakatan Harapan took over the government in 2017.
Julia then sarcastically told Tengku Adnan that he should refer the question to the Attorney-General (AG), as he holds the power to drop the charges.
Julia: Why are you asking me to drop the charges… you should ask the AG.
Tengku Adnan: Yes… ask your boss (AG)… wait… there is no AG now… he just resigned.
Tengku Adnan also revealed that he did not declare or record any political donation he received as it was not compulsory for him to do so.
“You see, I never ask for any funds from the party president for political activities under my constituency… I find my own way.
“RM2 million is just like my pocket money,” he said.
Julia: You have your position as Umno treasurer because you are a wealthy businessman and you assisted them (Umno) financially.
Tengku Adnan: Yes.
Julia: I put to you that you used the money for your own purpose.
Tengku Adnan: I disagree.
The hearing continues.
Tengku Adnan, 69, is facing a charge of accepting RM2 million from businessman Tan Sri Chai Kin Kong via a cheque belonging to Aset Kayamas which was deposited into a bank account belonging to Tadmansori Holdings, a company owned by him.
He faces up to two years' jail, or fine, or both, if found guilty under Section 165 of the Penal Code.