THE Kuala Lumpur High Court has postponed its decision on whether to grant Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi a full acquittal from 47 criminal charges, in a move that places the outcome of a parallel appeal at the centre of the case’s next phase.
Judicial Commissioner Nurulhuda Nur'aini Mohamad Nor fixed 14 May for the ruling, making it contingent on a decision expected from the Court of Appeal of Malaysia on 7 May.
“The court has set 14 May for the decision, subject to the outcome of the Court of Appeal, which will be delivered on 7 May,” Sinar Harian reported her saying today.
The adjournment followed a request by defence counsel Hamidi Mohd Noh, who had formally applied to vacate the earlier decision date while awaiting clarity from the appellate proceedings.
Both prosecution and defence agreed to the revised timetable.
At the heart of the case is Zahid’s application to be fully discharged and acquitted of charges involving criminal breach of trust, corruption and money laundering linked to Yayasan Akalbudi.
Although prosecutors indicated in February that they would not oppose the application, the court deferred its decision due to an ongoing legal challenge initiated by the Malaysian Bar.
The Bar is contesting the decision by the Attorney General’s Chambers to discontinue proceedings in the case, after its earlier bid for judicial review was dismissed by the High Court.
Zahid’s push for a full acquittal followed the Attorney General’s Chambers’ classification of the charges as “no further action” after reviewing new evidence and multiple representations submitted by the defence.
Attorney-General (A-G) Tan Sri Mohd Dusuki Mokhtar has maintained that the decision was made only after thorough evaluation of the evidence and legal considerations, rejecting suggestions that it was arbitrary.
The case dates back to September 2023, when the High Court granted Zahid a discharge not amounting to an acquittal after prosecutors moved to halt the case.
The upcoming rulings are expected to be decisive in determining whether Zahid secures a full acquittal or faces renewed legal proceedings, with wider implications for prosecutorial independence and judicial oversight in Malaysia. - April 24, 2026
