Zahid calm and smiling at MACC HQ amid talk of arrest

PUTRAJAYA: Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has arrived at the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission headquarters, amid talk that he will be arrested and charged.

The Umno president and former deputy prime minister arrived at 3pm on Thursday (Oct 18) in a white SUV, accompanied by his lawyer, family members and associates.

Despite the possibility of arrest, Dr Ahmad Zahid was calm, smiling and waving at the waiting media corp.

He is being investigated over alleged misappropriation of funds belonging to Yayasan Akal Budi, of which he is the chairman.

On Wednesday, MACC officials sent a notice to the Umno president requesting him to be present at the anti-graft authority’s headquarters here in Putrajaya at 3pm.

Graft investigators have had four grilling sessions with Dr Ahmad Zahid, the first being on July 3, followed by three interviews last week on October 10, 11 and 12, with each interrogation lasted for more than eight hours.

Yayasan Akal Budi was set up by Dr Ahmad Zahid’s family to help eradicate poverty and to provide Islamic education.

MACC is investigating claims that RM800,000 belonging to the foundation was used to pay off credit card bills.

The media gathered from as early as 1pm to cover his arrival.

Outside the compound of MACC, a group of Umno members and supporters gathered in show of support for Dr Ahmad Zahid.