Zahid's DNAA improves Perikatan's chances in Pulai, says its candidate

JOHOR BARU: Perikatan Nasional's Pulai by-election candidate Zulkilfli Jaafar believes the High Court’s decision in granting Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi a discharge not amounting to an acquittal (DNAA) will work in his favour.

He added that he was smiling when news broke out that the Umno president had received the DNAA on his 47 graft charges on Monday (Sept 4).

“The people, particularly voters in Pulai, will evaluate this decision. I believe this will give me more support from the people,” said Zulkilfli when met after visiting the early voting centre at the Marine Police Region II headquarters in Tampoi on Tuesday (Sept 5).

On Monday, the High Court granted Ahmad Zahid a DNAA for his 47 graft charges.

The charges were brought against him by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) concerning the alleged misuse of funds from his charitable foundation, Yayasan Akal Budi (YAB).

In his judgment yesterday, Justice Datuk Collin Lawrence Sequerah made the decision after considering both arguments by the prosecution and the defence team.

“It’s clear from the reasons given by the prosecution that the investigation is still ongoing due to representations made by the defence.

“It’s therefore justified for the prosecution to examine these representations, which also involve taking statements from various individuals, while numerous other reasons were also given,” he said.

Earlier, the prosecution had applied for Ahmad Zahid to be discharged but not acquitted, as further investigations are still needed.

Deputy Public Prosecutor Datuk Mohd Dusuki Mokhtar listed 11 reasons for the action; these include ensuring that no miscarriage of justice was committed and making way for more comprehensive investigations by the authorities.

He also said that the defence had submitted several representations to the Attorney General's Chambers (AGC) between last December and March this year.

He also said the DNAA was in view of the Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) formed to examine claims in former attorney general Tan Sri Tommy Thomas’ controversial memoir, particularly on alleged selective prosecution.