Hugs for family, supporters after DNAA

KUALA LUMPUR: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi embraced his family members after the High Court discharged without acquitting him of 47 graft charges. He was also seen hugging his supporters inside the courtroom yesterday.

Ahmad Zahid said he was grateful for all the support he had received throughout the hearings.

“I’m also thankful to Umno and Barisan Nasional component parties who have continuously supported me on this journey.

“We have a role to continue the struggle to put an end to these charges that were politically-motivated,” said the Umno president.

Also present at the court were several Umno leaders such as Wanita chief Datuk Dr Noraini Ahmad and Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh, among others.

The Rural and Regional Development Minister also met with supporters outside the court.

Ahmad Zahid was discharged of 12 criminal breach of trust (CBT) charges, eight counts of bribery and 27 for money laundering, involving millions of ringgit belonging to Yayasan Akalbudi.

He was accused of committing the offences between March 28, 2016, and April 11, 2018.

He was granted the discharge not amounting to an acquittal (DNAA) by Justice Datuk Collin Lawrence Sequerah yesterday.

Ahmad Zahid’s defence team will be filing an appeal today for a total acquittal.