A complainant in a rape trial has denied claims that she reinstated her police report against the accused, Mohd Zulfahimin Mahdzir, an aide of Gombak Setia assemblyperson Hilman Idham, for financial gains.
Under re-examination from the prosecution, the 33-year-old said her meeting with Hilman on Dec 6, 2020, was to demand an explanation over the incidents that happened the day before, which led to her discovery of being naked, alone and allegedly raped by the accused in a room at Dorsett Hartamas Hotel, Kuala Lumpur.
“I never asked (for) any money. Do these government people have money?
“I have money, but I don’t have power,” said the complainant and fourth prosecution witness in the case against Zulfahimin.
“I never made like what the statement was saying, asking (Hilman) for any money,” said the complainant to questions from deputy public prosecutor Zilfinaz Abbas at the Kuala Lumpur Sessions Criminal Court today.
She also said Hilman had initiated the meeting where he had allegedly issued an apology on behalf of the accused.
Malaysiakini is withholding the complainant’s name to protect her identity.
The complainant had lodged her first police report against the accused on Dec 5, 2020, only to withdraw it three days later, at the time stated as being done of her own free will.
Her report that implicated Hilman in allegedly setting up the scene by hosting her birthday dinner and after-party at a VVIP lounge was lodged on Jan 7 last year.
The complainant, in her testimony yesterday, identified Zulfahimin as the last person she recalled seeing on top of her body before she passed out in a drunken state and woke up at around 4am to signs of penetration in her private part and a used condom in the bathroom.
Meanwhile, she revealed today that her few memories of events before the incident include the scent of Hilman’s signature Tom Ford perfume, as well as his voice, during what felt like a “very very long walk”.
Best friend conspired with Hilman
During today’s trial, the complainant maintained that Zulfahimin had taken advantage of her intoxicated condition when she was unknowingly checked into the hotel room rather than sent home with her best friend Nur Farihatul Mardziah Mohd Fisol or “Mai”, who also attended the party.
“Zul took advantage of me. He raped me. That night I came with full trust towards Hilman,” she said.
“Every time before I slept with Hilman, he made sure that I was aware that we were sleeping with each other. He’s a gentleman and would get my consent.
“But at that time (the night of the incident), I just looked at Zul as Hilman’s assistant, and even Hilman didn’t mention anything about booking a room,” she said.
She further alleged her best friend had conspired with Hilman when they left the hotel together and left her at the alleged rape scene.
Recalling her relationship with Hilman, the complainant said there was “mutual attraction” between them since they were first introduced by a contact at the Bersatu politician’s favourite cigar bar sometime in 2020.
“I’m a proud independent woman, and everyone knows that […] My only mistake was that I fell in love with a politician, but there was no political interest. I was attracted to his charm and intelligence. He’s so caring.
“He cared so much about me and made me feel special. I didn’t expect that he would throw a birthday party for me twice,” she said.
Defence counsel Chris Kooi represented Zulfahimin, while lawyer Asheeq Ali was also present to conduct a watching brief on behalf of the complainant.
Proceedings before Sessions Court Judge Norhasniah Abdul Razak will continue on July 21 and July 22, as well as Aug 10, Aug 11 and Aug 12.
Chris Kooi Wei Kit 
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