The Kuala Lumpur High Court’s decision to grant Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi a discharge not amounting to an acquittal (DNAA) was proof that he was a victim of political persecution, said Umno secretary-general Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki.
In a statement, Asyraf pinned the blame squarely on former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad and his former party Bersatu for charges being laid in 2018.
“The cruel act against Zahid happened a few weeks after Mahathir, who was then the chairperson of Bersatu, threatened Zahid and asked him to dissolve Umno during (a private) meeting.
“This was compounded by Tommy Thomas - who served as attorney-general during the Mahathir administration - who admitted in his arrogant memoirs that he and the prime minister arranged several prosecutions involving influential politicians,” said Asyraf.
Asyraf said the situation was made worse when Mahathir’s successor Muhyiddin Yassin took over and appointed a new attorney-general, Idrus Harun, and a new MACC chief, Azam Baki.
“Although both the attorney-general and MACC chief were maintained by the present prime minister, both of them did the right thing and ceased the case,” said Asyraf.
Between October 2018 and February 2019, prosecutors laid a total of 47 charges against Zahid for corruption involving Yayasan Akalbudi - a charity that he founded and heads.
In January last year, Zahid was ordered to enter his defence over 12 charges for criminal breach of trust (CBT) under Section 409 of the Penal Code; eight charges under Section 16(a)(B) of the MACC Act 2009; and 27 charges under Section 4(1)(a) of the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001.
However, earlier this year, his lawyers submitted letters of representation to Idrus, seeking the case to be dropped.
Judge Collin Lawrence Sequerah allowed the prosecution’s petition for a DNAA today.
Asyraf said the court ruling was also proof that Mahathir and Bersatu leaders were willing to weaponise the criminal justice system against their rivals.
“Umno fervently hopes that this black mark on the nation’s justice system will not happen again.
“The Attorney-General’s chambers and the MACC must remain independent in order to perform their duties without fear or favour,” he said. - Mkini
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.