Umno supreme council member Puad Zarkashi today claimed he was offered the post of Johor menteri besar if he had agreed to join Pakatan Rakyat back in 2008.

Puad said this when questioned by lawyer Muhammad Shafee Abdullah, who is representing Foreign Minister Anifah Aman in the latter's RM100 mil suit against opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim.

The court on Dec 16 was told that Anwar had spoken to Puad using the former's close associate Rahim Ghouse’s telephone on Sept 19, 2008, in Batu Pahat.

“What do you understand when he (Anwar) said who would take care of Johor (when Barisan Nasional government loses)?" Shafee asked Puad ( left ), who is the seventh defence witness

“I understand it as an offer for the post of Johor menteri besar," Puad answered.

Puad, who was then Batu Pahat MP, however did not explain to the court the mechanics of the deal for menteri besarship as the position can only be filled by a state assemblyperson.

According to Puad, he and Rahim were close friends, although their contact which each other had lessened as Rahim now lives in Australia.

'Seeking divine guidance'

 

The former deputy education minister also told the court that he had to give the excuse of having to perform istikharah prayer (prayer for guidance) before deciding to sign the agreement to throw his support behind the opposition coalition.

 

Puad said Anwar’s tone, when talking to him, sounded confident.

The opposition leader had told him that Pakatan Rakyat had enough BN MPs willing to jump ship, and only needed one Malay MP from Johor.

 

“His tone was very convincing in our telephone conversation,” said Puad.  

However, after performing the special prayers, he had a dream telling him not to agree with Anwar’s offer.

 

“I went back home, performed istikharah prayer, and had a dream. I received a sign saying that no matter what happens, I will not sign the agreement.

 

“If I signed the agreement, I will be selling the country. That was what I said to Rahim the next day,” said Puad.

 

Trial was adjourned by judicial commissioner Siti Khadijah S Hassan Badjenid and will continue on Jan 5, 2015, at 2.30pm, and Jan 7 at 4pm.