It’s not a ridiculous case, says prosecution in Zahid’s graft trial

 

Ahmad Zahid Hamidi (second from right) arriving in court today. His lawyers have called the case ridiculous and described then attorney-general Tommy Thomas as a ‘law student’. (Bernama pic)

KUALA LUMPUR: The prosecution in Ahmad Zahidi Hamidi’s corruption trial said they were upset by his lawyers’ action in calling the former deputy prime minister’s case “ridiculous”.

Deputy public prosecutor Raja Rozela Raja Toran said the defence, in their closing submissions, also described the then attorney-general (AG) Tommy Thomas as a “law student” in pressing 47 charges against Zahid.

“We find that disrespectful.

“The word ‘ridiculous’ does not appear in an AG’s dictionary. He acted based on evidence and law before giving his consent to prosecute,” she said in her closing submissions.

Zahid was first charged in the sessions court on Oct 19, 2018 during Thomas’ tenure. Thomas resigned on Feb 28 last year.

Zahid is standing trial on 47 charges of money laundering and CBT involving millions from his foundation, Yayasan Akalbudi, and accepting bribes for various projects during his tenure as home minister.

Twelve of the charges are for CBT, eight for corruption, and the remaining 27 for money laundering.

The trial started on Nov 18, 2019 and was heard for 52 days over a period of two years.

Trial judge Collin Lawrence Sequerah said the defence might not have had any intention to belittle Thomas.

“But I take note of your stand,” he added.

The prosecution reiterated that RM1.3 million paid to a football club, Persatuan Bola Sepak PDRM was not in line with Yayasan Akalbudi’s objective.

“Even if the then trustees (Mohd Samsuri Tun, Zulkifli Senteri, Muhammad Nabil Saleh, Khairuddin Tarmizi) consented to paying the club as argued by defence, it still does not make it right.

“Yayasan Akalbudi’s trustees were supposed to manage the money according to the memorandum and articles of association,” Rozela said.

She explained using an example of a situation where Yayasan Akalbudi trustees agree to buy a yacht.

“Buying a yacht goes against Yayasan Akalbudi’s objective to eradicate poverty. Then, all of them can be charged with misappropriation of funds,” Rozela said.

The hearing continues before Sequerah on Oct 18. - FMT