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21 April 2019
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So, who received cheques from Najib’s AmIslamic accounts?
By Azril Annuar and Lazareen Thaveethu Moses
KUALA LUMPUR, April 21 — On day five of Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s SRC International Sdn Bhd trial, it was revealed that 17 cheques had been issued from AmIslamic Bank accounts where RM42 million of the former 1MDB unit’s funds were allegedly transferred.
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1. RM3.5 million to Hafarizam Wan & Aisha Mubarak (January 22, 2015)
What is it: Hafarizam Wan & Aisha Mubarak was established from the merger of two law firms: Hafarizam & Co and Aisha Mubarak & Co on July 7, 2007.
One of its founders was Umno legal adviser Datuk Mohd Hafarizam Harun.
In its current iteration, the firm provides services in litigation, corporate matters, employment law, conveyancing, election law, administration of real estate or property, criminal proceedings and probate law and administration of estates.
Its clientele include financial institutions such as CIMB Bank, Bank Islam, American International Assurance Bhd, Amanah Raya, Bank Pertanian, Malayan Banking, UOB Bank and Public Bank.
But most recently, it represented Umno lawmakers in election-related matters, such as acting president Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan’s appeal against the Election Court’s decision to strip his Rantau win last year, and Jasin MP Datuk Seri Ahmad Hamzah’s challenge against election petitions.
In February, Hafarizam himself was charged with money-laundering for allegedly depositing RM15 million in illegal funds via three cheques from Najib into his law firm’s client account.
Under the first charge, Hafarizam was accused of engaging directly in two transactions that involved proceeds from illegal activity, by causing RM11.5 million through two AmIslamic Bank Berhad cheques belonging to Najib to be deposited into his law firm Hafarizam Wan & Aisha Mubarak’s client account in CIMB Bank Berhad.
He was alleged to have done so between April 16 and November 4, 2014.
Under the second charge, Hafarizam was similarly accused of having on February 12, 2015 caused proceeds of unlawful activity amounting to RM3.5 million to be deposited into the law firm’s same client account via an AmIslamic Bank Berhad cheque belonging to Najib.
A client account is a bank account usually used by law firms to hold clients’ money in trust and kept separate from its own funds.
2. RM2.5 million to Zulqarnain & Co (February 2, 2015)
What is it: Zulqarnain & Co is a legal firm located in Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman, Kuala Lumpur with a branch in Johor Baru.
Very little information about the law firm can be found on public records.
Professional service search engine LookP listed three lawyers for its Kuala Lumpur practice: Ahmad Syaifulbakri Mohamed @ Asaari, Ashraf Abdul Razak and Zulqarnain Suja’, while its Johor branch only has one lawyer: Hairulanuar Hamdan.
Then Sabah Tourism, culture and environment minister Datuk Masidi Manjun (4th right) with Fui K. Soong (3rd right) and the crew of KupiKupiFm at the radio station’s launch in January 28, 2016. — Picture by Julia Chan
3. RM300,000 to Cense (February 8, 2015)
What is it: The Centre for Strategic Engagement Sdn Bhd is a private consulting firm established in 2010, specialising in public policy research with a special interest in media, policy and political communications.
On its website, Cense boasted a client portfolio of MPs, ministers and policymakers.
It was co-founded by Rita Sim and Rose Ismail, both currently holding the rank of directors with Fui K. Soong holding the post of CEO and director.
In January 2016, Malay Mail reported that Cense had started KupiKupiFM in Sabah under its community outreach programme Operasi Tataba. The “Sabahan Malay” language radio station plays mostly Sabahan tunes. The station is still operational.
Later in August that same year, The Edge Malaysia Weekly reported that Cense had started another radio station: Chinese-language business-centric CityPlus FM.
4. RM400,000 to trustees of Rumah Penyayang Tun Abdul Razak (February 12, 2015)
What is it: Rumah Penyayang Tun Abdul Razak was constructed in 2004, and began operation in January 2005. It was developed together with the Rahah Foundation that was named after Najib’s mother Tun Rahah Mohamed Noah.
It is located on a 2.8-hectare land in Kampong Ulu Parit, in Pekan, Pahang with a development cost of RM2.5 million. Upon completion, it housed around 100 orphans and the poor from Najib’s constituency in Pekan.
The home has boarding facilities for boys and girls, a multipurpose hall, surau, dining hall, television room, resource centre and a football field.
Orphans residing there have all their needs taken care of, including clothing, food and schooling. They are allowed to stay there until Form 5 or Form 6 or upon completion of their SPM or STPM examinations.
The average age of the residents ranges from eight to 19 years old.
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weehingthong 