KUALA LUMPUR: Twelve politicians were granted a discharge not amounting to an acquittal (DNAA) in 19 criminal cases between 2010 and July this year, says Law and Institutional Reform Minister Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said.
However, Azalina did not disclose the names of the politicians who were granted the DNAAs.
Azalina said the figures came from a review of criminal case records, based on input from the Office of the Chief Registrar of the Federal Court.
The DNAAs were granted in the High Court and lower courts nationwide, she said in a written reply on Thursday (Oct 8).
She was replying to Pang Hok Liong (PH-Labis), who asked how many politicians and high-profile leaders were granted DNAAs over the period, along with their names and the charges they faced.
Azalina said details on specific cases could be referred directly to the Attorney General's Chambers (AGC), which holds the records on prosecutions.
She added that a DNAA did not amount to an acquittal.
"Given that criminal cases are not subject to a limitation period as civil cases are, a person granted a DNAA can still be charged again on the same charges if the prosecution decides to do so based on the facts, evidence and developments of the case," she said.
In a separate written reply, Azalina said the AGC had explained its decision to withdraw 47 charges against Bagan Datuk MP Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi in a media statement dated Jan 8 this year.
She was replying to RSN Rayer (PH-Jelutong), who asked why the charges were withdrawn after Ahmad Zahid had been called to enter his defence.
"The case is also still under the court's consideration.
"As such, the MP may refer to the media statement for further explanation," she said.
Ahmad Zahid, who is Deputy Prime Minister and Umno president, was granted a DNAA on the 47 charges by the High Court on Sept 4, 2023.
Former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak was also granted a DNAA in his SRC International Sdn Bhd money laundering case last year.
