KUALA LUMPUR – Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi is likely to have his criminal trial involving Yayasan Akalbudi funds delayed once again, after it was reported he will require surgery for a spine injury.
His lawyer, Hisyam Teh Poh Teik, told the court today that his client has been warded at a private hospital in Shah Alam after sustaining injuries as a result of a fall.
“We have a letter, dated August 23, 2021, explaining to your lordship the circumstances of the accused not being present (in court today).
“The letter also said that due to the severity of the back pain, he is not able to sit for a long time. He was admitted to a private hospital in Shah Alam last Sunday,” Bernama reported him as saying.
He said Zahid was scheduled to undergo a medical procedure at 8am today to relieve the pain.
“As far as the defence is concerned, we are ready to proceed. We don’t want to be accused of any delay,” he added.
The court was supposed to hear submissions at the end of the prosecution case by both parties today.
Deputy public prosecutor Datuk Raja Rozela Raja Toran told the court that the prosecution is ready to submit the case today as the matter had been postponed many times.
“We leave the matter to the court to decide whether the case can be conducted online or proceed without the accused present. That is an important point to consider, My Lord. We don’t want the court to be seen as denying his right to be heard,” she said.
However, judge Collin Lawrence Sequerah requested the defence call up the doctor to appear to court and explain the procedure and injuries involved before the court sets another date.
For now, the court has been adjourned while waiting for the doctor to present his or herself.
On March 19, the prosecution closed the case after calling 99 witnesses to testify.
Zahid faces eight corruption charges, 12 for alleged breach of trust and 27 over alleged money laundering in relation to millions in Yayasan Akalbudi funds. – The Vibes, August 24, 2021
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