Zahid’s DNAA boosts Umno’s resurgence - analyst

 

A political analyst has described the court's decision to grant Ahmad Zahid Hamidi a discharge not amounting to an acquittal (DNAA) as a bolstering factor for Umno.

This comes after the Umno president received criticism over the decision, particularly from a faction within the party that allegedly sought to exploit what was termed as "selective prosecution" by Zahid's supporters.

Universiti Malaya academic Awang Azman Awang Pawi stated that the outcome of this case serves as momentum for Umno's resurgence.

"It was a moment for Umno members to rise when the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) made the decision.

“This (Zahid's case) is no longer an issue, or a political propaganda attempt to smear the Umno president. We can see that the court has proved this.

"The AGC and the court (have already) agreed; this is the highest decision that must be respected; the prosecutor understands their duty," Awang Azman (above) told Malaysiakini.

On Sept 4, the Kuala Lumpur High Court granted the DNAA for all 47 charges related to Yayasan Akalbudi following an application by deputy public prosecutor Mohd Dusuki Mokhtar.

In response to this, DAP leaders demanded an explanation from the AGC. Similar sentiments were expressed by Amanah and PKR leaders.

Meanwhile, Muda president Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman, who is also the Muar MP, threatened to withdraw support for the coalition government led by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

‘Zahid not the first’

Commenting further, Awang Azman stated that Zahid is not the first figure to be discharged from a prima facie case or directed to mount a defence.

As an example, he referred to Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli, who claimed trial to defaming Tabung Haji, through an article titled ‘Analisa Kewangan Tabung Haji 2009-2015’ (Tabung Haji Financial Analysis 2009-2015) which was uploaded onto his Facebook account on Feb 9, 2016.

The Pandan MP was eventually acquitted by the Kuala Lumpur Magistrate’s Court in 2019.

Furthermore, Awang Azman emphasised that the DNAA in Zahid's case is a court decision that should be respected by all parties.

"The decision is given by the court after the prosecution exercises its powers under Article 145(3) of the Federal Constitution and Section 253 of the Criminal Procedure Code to halt the trial.

"So, the power of DNAA or DAA (discharge amounting to an acquittal) in any case is solely the court's authority, and it should be respected," he added. - Mkini