Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said that former attorney-general Idrus Harun was adamant about wrapping up Ahmad Zahid Hamidi’s case before going on leave prior to retirement.
As such, he reiterated that it was Idrus who decided to grant a discharge not amounting to an acquittal (DNAA) to the deputy prime minister in the Yayasan Akalbudi corruption case.
"Idrus was in favour of continuing the charges, but later, he read the new facts presented in the 200-plus-page (letter) of representation (sent by Zahid's lawyers).
"As the prime minister, I was aware of the repercussions (of the DNAA), and I had to discuss in length with the ex-AG the reasons and the timing behind the move," Anwar told reporters after attending Friday prayers at Masjid Jamek in Seri Petaling today.
Given a choice, Anwar said, he would have preferred the decision to be made at a later time, especially after the Johor twin-by elections and the Pelangai by-election next month.
"He (Idrus) was merely carrying out his responsibility. He didn’t want to leave his duty to anyone else."
Elaborating, the premier said he was aware of the backlash against Zahid's DNAA, but urged critics to read the 11 reasons cited by the prosecutor in proposing the withdrawal.
"The process is such. It’s unfair to persecute someone just because we like or don't like a certain politician.
"As I have stressed before, all cases are different. A lot of cases (accused) have walked free, even before trial, or after," Anwar said, urging the people not to fall for incitement perpetuated by certain politicians.
On Tuesday, Anwar denied any involvement in the DNAA granted to Zahid, stressing it was the Attorney-General's Chambers (AGC) decision.
"The AG had full authority and he gave his reasons.
"It is the AG’s decision and I can't interfere," Anwar was quoted as saying in Jakarta by Astro Awani.
47 charges
The prosecution on Monday applied for a DNAA on all 47 charges levelled against Zahid on alleged corruption involving Yayasan Akalbudi.
This was despite judge Collin Lawrence Sequerah finding that the prosecution had established prima facie (answerable case) against the Umno president, who was ordered to enter his defence.
The prosecution said that the DNAA request was for several reasons, including to allow the MACC to conduct further investigations; to look into the possibility that there was selective prosecution; and to wait for the Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) on former attorney-general Tommy Thomas’ memoir.
The DNAA was granted in line with Article 145(3) of the Federal Constitution, which states that the AG has full authority to withdraw charges. - Mkini
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