Abdul Hannaan Khairy was asked by Syed Saddiq’s defence lawyer, Gobind Singh Deo, if he agreed to testify against Syed Saddiq in court for fear of being charged by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) with other cases.
Hannaan first responded by asking judge Azhar Abdul Hamid for permission to use the restroom, but answered affirmatively when he was told to respond to the question first.
The prosecution witness also admitted to being called in by MACC many times, but could not recall the exact number.
He admitted to feeling “scared” whenever he was called in by MACC to provide statements regarding Syed Saddiq’s case as he would also be questioned about other cases, as he feared he would also be charged.
Hannann used to be a member of Bersatu Youth and contested for the Kayang state seat in Perlis in the 14th general election under Pakatan Harapan.
He was sacked by the party in August 2020.
Syed Saddiq, a former youth and sports minister who used to lead Bersatu Youth, is on trial on four charges of criminal breach of trust, misappropriation of funds and money laundering of more than RM1 million belonging to the youth wing.
Earlier, Hannaan said Syed Saddiq had told him to ask Bersatu Youth’s apparel and merchandise supplier, Muhammad Naqib Ab Rahman, to prepare a backdated quotation and receipt amounting to RM50,000 and RM200,000, respectively.
Regarding his other cases, he admitted that MACC had grilled him over possession of a car in 2020 and said he was worried that action would be taken against him.
He also said he was upset with the way MACC officers had intimidated his wife when she was questioned, claiming that she was even asked to take off her clothes at one point.
During cross-examination, Gobind read excerpts from the police report that Hannaan’s wife, identified as Siti Nurul Hidayah, had lodged on June 5, 2020.
In the report, she claimed that she was brought to a room for questioning and was surrounded by six male officers, who “hurled explicit words” at her.
Gobind: (The report stated that) one of them threatened to slap her and that his hand was an inch away from her cheek. The officer also kicked her chair, and then they asked her to stand on the chair while lifting up one leg and both hands for half an hour. How do you feel about this?
Hannaan: I’m sad and disappointed
Gobind: Are you afraid to give your statement today?
Hannaan: Yes.
Gobind: Are you afraid of the MACC officers escorting you?
Hannaan: Can I not answer that?
Gobind: Okay, let’s leave it at that.
Before the trial adjourned, the court allowed Syed Saddiq’s passport to be released to allow him to attend a conference in South Korea next week.
The trial continues tomorrow.
We are live on Telegram, subscribe here for breaking news and the latest announcements.