AG must decide now on status of Zahid's graft case, says Bersatu

PETALING JAYA: Bersatu has asked if the corruption charges against Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, for allegedly misappropriating RM31mil of funds from his charitable foundation Yayasan Akalbudi (YAB) will be dropped.

Its Legal and Constitution bureau deputy chairman Sasha Lyna Abdul Latif said there has been increased public concern that the charges against Ahmad Zahid might be dropped.

She added that Attorney General Tan Sri Idrus Harun should state the stance of his office immediately.

"This is especially so since the uncompromising Datuk Raja Rozela Raja Toran was dropped as the lead prosecutor in the case. It is time the AG stopped beating around the bush over Ahmad Zahid’s corruption case," said Sasha Lyna.

"He must immediately come out and state clearly whether the corruption charges will be dropped or not.It is in the public interest, and for investor confidence, that there is no further doubt over the status of this case," she added in a statement on Thursday (Aug 17).

On Wednesday (Aug 16), the Attorney General's Chambers said there had been no political interference or pressure to initiate any prosecution.

Idrus had said each decision to prosecute was made after examination and consideration of all available evidence presented by law enforcement agencies and in accordance with the relevant laws.

"There has been no political interference or pressure to initiate any prosecution. The AGC always acts independently and professionally, according to the procedures in commencing prosecution against any individual,” Idrus said in a statement.

The statement was issued in response to Perikatan Nasional secretary-general Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin’s call for the AGC to re-examine all court charges against Bersatu and Perikatan leaders.

Sasha Lyna said that in April, the AGC agreed to a lengthy court adjournment to consider representations made by Ahmad Zahid for the charges to be dropped.

"Only in August did the trial resume, with the lead DPP saying that the representation is still under consideration.

"It has been more than four months since the representation was made. Why is the AG still not able to decide upon it?" she asked.

Idrus had previously clarified that the decision to drop Raja Rozela was made following her request for early retirement.