“So, in this particular one, there was no report made because action was steadily being taken by the authorities,” he said, responding to a question by lawyer M. Reza Hassan, on why he did not file a complaint on alleged corruption in Mara just as he did against the Selangor Government on dealings purportedly involving “requests for women”.
Reza was representing Umno Youth deputy chief Khairul Azwan Harun in a lawsuit the latter took against Rafizi.
Khairul, also known by his Internet moniker “Azwanbro”, sued Rafizi for alleging that he was involved in the purchase and dealings of 746 Swanston Street property, through Mara-owned Thrushcross Land Holdings Limited, which allegedly experienced leakages of RM63 million.
He said Rafizi’s statement, which was published by online portals, had painted him as corrupt, dishonest and that he had acted in his own financial interest and abused his position as the chairman of Biosis Group Berhad in the dealings.
Khairul is seeking general, aggravated and exemplary damages.
Earlier this year, Mara chairman Annuar Musa updated MACC on the Australian properties purchased by its’ subsidiary, Mara Inc, as the government agency has limitations in conducting such investigations.
During the trial, Rafizi was quizzed by Reza on how he assumed Umno used their influence over government-linked-companies (GLCs).
“Its reasonable knowledge that Umno has influence in GLCs,” he claimed.
Reza then pressed on whether “they were listed in the statute books?”
The Opposition lawmaker answered it was “by practice”.
“You have proof of that (claim)?,” asked Reza.
“It’s by sheer observation,” replied Rafizi.
The MP told Reza he “assumed” that Erwan Azizi, the director of the company where Khairul serves as a chairman, was appointed as director in Thrushcross, because he was recommended by Umno. “By looking at the issue at the time the scandal broke, the appointment of a person who was not connected to Mara was because they have ‘connections’ with Umno.”
“Erwan must be a close associate of Khairul,” alleged Rafizi.
The hearing continues tomorrow before Justice S. Nantha Balan.
Khairul will continue to testify.