PETALING JAYA – The Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) has responded to criticism against its decision to not proceed with charges against Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi in the Yayasan Akalbudi (YAB) corruption case.
“Based on media reports that the AGC’s act to withdraw the charges against Zahid is immoral, the department would like to stress that the decision was made based on reasons accepted by the court.
“When making the decision, the honourable judge stated that the reasons given by the prosecution were cogent,” the AGC said in a brief statement this evening.
Yesterday, the high court granted a discharge not amounting to an acquittal (DNAA) on all 47 of Zahid’s corruption, criminal breach of trust and money laundering charges.
The court granted the DNAA sought by deputy public prosecutor Datuk Mohd Dusuki Mokhtar.
When a court grants a DNAA, it means that the accused is discharged from the current charges without being acquitted of them.
The case is temporarily put on hold or suspended, but the prosecution has the option to refile the charges or reinstate the case at a later time if new evidence or circumstances warrant it.
The prosecution in the Umno president’s corruption trial applied for a DNAA, while the defence team led by Datuk Hisyam Teh argued for a full acquittal on all charges.
Earlier today, former prime minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin had said that the episode was “immoral” and one that left a “black mark” in the country’s judicial history, which could affect investors’ confidence. – The Vibes, September 5, 2023
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