Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister Sees 47 Corruption Allegations Dismissed During Advanced Trial Phase

On Monday, a Malaysian court nullified 47 corruption allegations against Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, at a later stage of his legal proceedings.

In a subsequent press conference, Zahid indicated that while the High Court had discharged him, it did not grant a full acquittal, leaving open the possibility of future charges. Zahid expressed relief, stating that the “accusations with political motivations against me have been terminated.”

As the leader of the United Malays National Organization (UMNO), Zahid plays a crucial role in supporting Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s unity government. The dismissal of these charges could potentially undermine Anwar’s government’s commitment to anti-corruption measures. Opposition figures have claimed that Zahid’s support for Anwar was in part a strategy to have his charges dropped.

This judicial outcome arrives shortly after local elections where the Islamist-Malay nationalist opposition bloc garnered substantial support, making gains in states governed by the ruling coalition.

Ahmad Zahid Hamidi’s attorney, Hisyam Teh Poh Teik, revealed that prosecutors partially halted the legal proceedings as further investigation was deemed necessary. The defense team plans to file for a complete acquittal. This decision was reached even after the court’s January 2022 verdict, which stated that a substantiated case against Zahid had been presented, requiring him to mount a defense.

Zahid, 70, was initially charged following the 2018 general elections, which saw the UMNO-led coalition ousted from power amid widespread public indignation over corruption issues. Former Prime Minister Najib Razak was subsequently convicted in multiple corruption cases and is presently serving a 12-year prison sentence after exhausting his final appeal.

Zahid was facing a myriad of charges: 12 counts of criminal breach of trust, 27 counts of money laundering, and eight counts of bribery. These charges involved the misallocation of over 31 million ringgit (approximately $6.7 million) from his family foundation. The prosecution claimed that funds intended for charitable purposes were diverted for his personal expenses, including credit card payments and shopping. Over 110 witnesses have provided testimony in the case.

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More about Malaysian corruption trial

• Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister’s Trial
• United Malays National Organization (UMNO)
• Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim
• Corruption in Malaysia
• Recent Local Elections in Malaysia