Bung Moktar Denies RM2.8mil Graft Allegations, Says Wife’s Payout a “Malicious Assumption”

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 4 — Kinabatangan MP Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin has strongly denied allegations that he and his wife, actress Zizie Izette Abdul Samad, were set to benefit from a RM2.8mil payout linked to Felcra Bhd’s RM150mil unit trust investment.

Taking the stand as the first defence witness in his graft trial, Bung described the claims as a “malicious assumption”, rejecting suggestions that he used his influence as Felcra’s non-executive chairman in 2015 to secure personal gain.

During cross-examination, deputy public prosecutors pressed Bung on whether his actions were intended to safeguard his and his wife’s financial interests. Bung replied firmly: “I disagree. That is a very malicious assumption.” He also argued that Felcra’s finance department and board had the authority to approve the investment proposal, stressing that due process was followed.

Graft Allegations

Bung testified that he only became aware of the RM2.8mil received by Zizie in 2016 when the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) launched its investigation. “I really did not know and was indeed shocked,” he told the court, adding that he saw no need to lodge a police report as the matter was already under MACC’s purview.

He further denied ever directing Zizie to receive funds on his behalf or expediting approvals with the Ministry of Finance. “For as long as I was Felcra chairman, I never discussed official Felcra work with my wife,” he said.

Bung faces two counts of accepting bribes totalling RM2.46mil as inducement for Felcra’s approval to invest in Public Mutual unit trusts. Zizie faces three counts of abetting her husband. Both allegedly received the funds through two investment agents at a Public Bank branch in June 2015.

The trial, presided over by Judge Rosli Ahmad, will continue on Sept 24.

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