A businessman has filed a police report against a former Melaka state assemblyperson for alleged cheating over 'donations' he made to two Umno political funds.

In the report filed on Tuesday, Asas Fleksi Sdn Bhd manager Lui Tong Lam, 44, claimed that Sungai Rambai state assemblyperson Abd Aziz Abd Ghani had asked for 'contributions' to two Umno political funds in return for a contract to develop Lot 2021 in Mukim Merlimau in Jasin.

"The reason for the report was to inform the authorities that I have been cheated and do not want other people to say that my company is involved in corruption," the police report read.

Lui told Malaysiakini that the matter began in 2003 when he had approached Abdul Aziz for a recommendation letter to allow his company to develop a 30.71 acre land.

"He told me to sponsor RM80,000 to Melaka Umno and RM50,000 to Jasin Umno. So I did. I paid RM130,000 in cash and bank drafts to Abdul Aziz on March 14, 2003 " he said.

He said the Lot 2021 that was vacant for development in 2003 remains unoccupied.

However, Lui did not receive any recommendation letter or receipt from Aziz to prove his payment to Umno until today.

"I have asked for the receipt for my contribution but there has been no response and those in Umno said I did not contribute anything to the funds," he stressed.

'He cheated me'

In August 2005, he wrote to Abdul Aziz requesting for a receipt RM80,000 for the cash and bank drafts paid to the Melaka Umno political fund.

He also requested for the return of RM50,000 paid to the Jasin Umno political fund to avoid accusations of corruption. Both letters were copied to Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

"I met Abdul Aziz during Hari Raya this year and asked for the money back. He said he can't give it back and that he can't be touched because he was a former state assemblyperson.

"He cheated me and he cheated Umno. He didn't give the money to them either, he kept it for himself. That's why he couldn't give me the receipt," said Lui.

He explained that the receipt was needed to justify his company's accounts and income tax.

"Without the receipt, people would think I took the money for myself. I need the receipt to show it was given to Umno for the project," he said.

Asked whether it was common practice for contractors in Melaka to contribute to Umno's political funds, Lui said: "All the companies in the country contribute to this political funds. If not, how can Umno survive?"

The businessman added that he will wait for the outcome of the police investigation before contemplating legal action.

Project was cancelled

Contacted later, Abdul Aziz admitted receiving the money but claimed that the sum was a goodwill gesture by Lui to Jasin Umno for previous development project approvals given by the state government.

However, Abdul Aziz said the Mukim Merlimau project has been cancelled by the federal government after the 2004 tsunami.

"As a state assemblyperson, I had no powers to pass or cancel the project because that authority rests with the state government.

"Jasin Umno and I have never asked for any donations or contribution from Lui. In fact, he was the one who wanted to do it," he said.

On the failure to issue a receipt, Abdul Aziz said only the state Umno liaison committee can do so. He also questioned Lui's motive in raising this issue.

Abdul Aziz pointed out that the money had been spent by the Umno division for meetings and in providing assistance to the locals.