Bersatu's Account Flagged to Bank Negara After RM19.3mil Deposit, Court Told

Why It Matters

The filing highlights possible illicit financing of a major political party, exposing senior leaders to legal risk and signaling tighter regulatory enforcement of political money flows in Malaysia.

Key Takeaways

• Bank filed STR after RM19.3 million deposited into Bersatu account.
• Deposits arrived through 28 transactions spanning Aug 2021‑Nov 2022 period.
• Four transfers totalling RM4 million linked to Azan Yusf.
• Account opened by senior Bersatu leaders; later renamed multiple times.
• Former PM Tansri Muhidin faces RM225 million bribe allegations.

Summary

The Kuala Lumpur High Court heard testimony that a suspicious transaction report (STR) was filed with Bank Negara after roughly RM19.3 million was funneled into the bank account of Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia. CIMB branch manager Lee Huenei detailed that the sum arrived in 28 separate deposits between August 2021 and November 2022, prompting the bank’s mandatory reporting obligations.

Lee explained that four of the deposits, totalling RM4 million, originated from an individual named Azan Yusf, while another RM1 million came from Mur Cinderian Bhad. The account, originally registered under the party’s name and classified as an “investor” account, was opened by senior Bersatu figures including Tun Dr. Mahathir Muhammad and others, with subsequent name changes to reflect different party officials.

During cross‑examination, Lee noted she had been summoned repeatedly by the Malaysian Anti‑Corruption Commission in connection with the Janna Wibbawa project, yet was never asked to produce the STR. The testimony ties the deposits to former Prime Minister Tansri Muhidin Yasin, who faces four bribery charges amounting to RM225.3 million and three counts of receiving proceeds from illegal activities worth RM200 million, allegedly deposited into Bersatu’s accounts.

The case underscores heightened scrutiny of political financing in Malaysia and raises the prospect of further legal exposure for Bersatu’s leadership. If the court finds the deposits linked to illicit activity, it could trigger additional investigations, fines, or sanctions, potentially reshaping the party’s financial operations and public credibility.

Original Description

A bank finance manager told the Kuala Lumpur High Court on Tuesday (March 10) that a Suspicious Transaction Report (STR) was raised to Bank Negara Malaysia after "tens of millions" were deposited into Bersatu's bank account.

Lee Hui Nee, 58, who is attached to CIMB Bank, said some RM19.3mil was channelled into the account in 28 transactions between Aug 24, 2021 and Nov 11, 2022.

Read more at https://tinyurl.com/avw5yc48

WATCH MORE: https://thestartv.com/c/news

SUBSCRIBE: https://cutt.ly/TheStar

LIKE: https://fb.com/TheStarOnline