KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 5 — A campaign titled “#DakwaZahid” will be launched to urge the attorney general to press charges again against Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, the Malaysian United Democratic Alliance (Muda) said today.
Muda said it disagrees with the attorney general’s decision regarding Zahid, where the prosecution yesterday decided to discontinue and drop the Yayasan Akalbudi trial against Zahid and which resulted in the High Court granting a discharge not amounting to an acquittal (DNAA) on Zahid for all 47 charges he faced.
“Muda will hold the #DakwaZahid campaign to urge the public prosecutor to charge Zahid again immediately,” it said in a press release, also urging Malaysians who support this campaign to reject corrupt acts together.
Muda said the campaign would attempt to have Zahid prosecuted, also saying it would decide on Muda’s position within the unity government if its demands are not met.
Muda listed the three demands, including urging the Attorney General’s Chambers to provide an explanation in Parliament about the decision for the DNAA on the deputy prime minister, especially when the High Court had decided that there was a “prima facie” case.
Muda was referring to the stage in the Yayasan Akalbudi trial, where the High Court had previously ordered Zahid to enter his defence after the trial judge found that the prosecution had shown a prima facie case or that there was a case for Zahid to answer to in order to avoid being convicted.
“We also demand to separate the Attorney General’s Chambers’ executive powers with the Public Prosecutor immediately, to ensure no executive interference in any court cases,” it added.
Currently, the attorney general has the dual roles under the Federal Constitution of advising the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, the Cabinet or any minister on legal matters; and holds the power to use his discretion to initiate, conduct or discontinue any court proceedings for any offences.
“If the demands above are not fulfilled, Muda will not hesitate to make a firm decision about Muda’s position in the unity government,” the party said.
Zahid, who is also Umno president and Barisan Nasional chairman, faced 47 charges in this case, namely, 12 counts of criminal breach of trust in relation to over RM31 million of his charitable organisation Yayasan Akalbudi’s funds, 27 counts of money laundering, and eight counts of bribery charges of over RM21.25 million in alleged bribes.
Yayasan Akalbudi was founded with the purported objectives of receiving and administering funds for the eradication of poverty and enhancing the welfare of the poor.
