Zahid to appeal against High Court's DNAA decision

Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi will file an appeal at the Court of Appeal against the decision of the High Court in granting him a discharge, but not amounting to an acquittal (DNAA) on the 47 charges related to Yayasan Akalbudi funds.

His lawyer, Hisyam Teh Poh Teik, when met by reporters after the proceeding at the High Court in Kuala Lumpur today, said he would file the appeal tomorrow.

Earlier, High Court Judge Collin Lawrence Sequerah granted Zahid the DNAA after allowing an application by deputy public prosecutor Mohd Dusuki Mokhtar to halt the case as they wanted to investigate it further.

Meanwhile, another lawyer representing Zahid, Ahmad Zaidi Zainal, said since his client was charged on Oct 19, 2018, the defence had submitted several representations to the Attorney-General's Chambers (AGC).

“The latest representation sought for the charges to be reviewed and withdrawn as there was no basis for the charges.

"In February, the defence was given a copy of a letter from the MACC to the AGC which, among other things, stated that a comprehensive investigation is very important so that the investigation team and the prosecution are not criticised by the public and accused of selective prosecution," he added.

Zaidi believed that following the application by the AGC today (to halt the case), the matter would likely be manipulated by certain quarters.

"However, we would like to emphasise here that the attorney-general only exercises his discretion as provided under Article 145 (3) of the Federal Constitution.

"In fact, this is not the first time for an attorney-general to use his discretion as provided under the law to take action to withdraw charges made in court," he added.

Zahid thankful

Meanwhile, Zahid expressed his gratitude for the court's decision to stop the proceedings against him.

"Our task in Umno and BN is to continue the struggle to stop politically motivated accusations,” he told reporters.

The 70-year-old had sent a 200-page letter of representation to the AGC in January and February as a basis for consideration for the charges made against him to be dropped.

A total of 47 charges were made against him, namely eight charges of corruption, 12 charges for criminal breach of trust and 27 charges of money laundering involving Akalbudi Foundation funds.

The trial was in the defence stage with a total of 15 witnesses, including Zahid, having called to testify.

- Bernama