Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has been released without discharge from 47 charges of criminal breach of trust, corruption, and money laundering linked to the Akalbudi Foundation, which he established. The decision came from Judge Datuk Collin Lawrence Sequerah, who approved the Deputy Public Prosecutor Datuk Mohd Dusuki Mokhtar's application to discontinue all proceedings against Zahid.
However, Zahid's defense lawyer, Datuk Hisyam Teh Poh Teik, argued for his client's acquittal, citing the unfairness of pending charges without certainty, especially given the prosecution's decision to halt the case.
In a statement dated August 24th, lawyers Datuk Hisham Teh Poh Teik, Datuk Ahmad Zaidi Zainal, and Hamidi Mohd Noh urged an immediate decision on the representation submitted on December 8th, 2022, and January 25th, 2023. This 200-page representation included a letter from the Chief Commissioner of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), Tan Sri Azam Baki, dated February 20th, indicating ongoing investigations into new evidence presented by the defense.
Zahid faced a total of 47 charges, encompassing eight corruption charges, 12 criminal breach of trust charges, and 27 money laundering charges, all tied to the Akalbudi Foundation's funds.
The criminal breach of trust charges alleged that Zahid misused the foundation's funds for personal credit card payments, insurance policies, vehicle licenses, law firm payments, and contributions to the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) football association.
Further allegations suggested that Zahid received bribes from companies, including Mastoro Kenny IT Consultant & Services, Data Sonic Group Berhad, and Profound Radiance Sdn Bhd. These bribes were purportedly in exchange for his assistance as the then Home Minister in obtaining the MyEG project, providing passport chips, and establishing one-stop center services in Pakistan and Nepal.
The money laundering charges accused Zahid of direct involvement in transactions connected to illicit income generated between March 26th, 2016, and April 11th, 2018.
Source: Buletin TV3
