KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 19 — Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi claimed trial today to 45 charges over the alleged misuse and money laundering of millions of ringgit in funds said to belong to a charity foundation.

Apart from misappropriation of the foundation's fund, Ahmad Zahid also claimed trial to additional charges made in his capacity as the former home minister under the Barisan Nasional administration.

The former deputy prime minister who stood in the dock before Sessions Court judge Azura Alwi pleaded not guilty to each charge of criminal breach of trust, abuse of power and money laundering under the Penal Code, Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2009, and Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001 (AMLATFPUAA) respectively, as they were read out to him.

It took 55 minutes for the bailiff to complete reading out the chargesheet.

The charges were read out at 9.20am and ended only at 10.15am.

In total, Ahmad Zahid was charged with eight counts of power abuse, 10 counts of criminal breach of trust and 27 counts of money laundering.

The prosecution asked for RM2 million bail to be paid by the accused today and for the court to confiscate Ahmad Zahid’s passport.

However, the defence asked for bail to be paid in two instalments amounting to RM1 million each.

Gopal argued against it, saying members of the Malaysian Bar had questioned staggered bail payments being allowed in recent high-profile cases.

"If the rule is applied across the board, the accused must post bail before being released. There should be no exceptions.

"The accused should not be treated differently than any other accused who appeared before you,” he said, adding that Ahmad Zahid should not be given any special treatment.

Defence lawyer Hishyam Teh Poh Teik described the initial bail amount offered by the prosecution as "fair”.

He also informed the court that they would apply to transfer Ahmad Zahid’s case to the High Court next week.

The judge finally ruled for the first RM1 million to be paid by today and the remainder to be paid by October 26.

"There is no question of me according specialties to anyone. Just to make myself clear,” she said.

She also ordered Ahmad Zahid to surrender his passport to the court.

The judge set December 14 for the mention of his case.