MUDA threatens to leave unity govt if AGC doesn’t explain Zahid’s DNAA
MUDA has threatened to withdraw support for the coalition government if the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) failed to explain its decision to withdraw the 47 corruption charges against Datuk Seri Ahmand Zahid Hamidi.
Party president Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman, who is also the Muar MP, said his party would not hesitate to reevaluate its position in the coalition and is considering a street protest, adding that the discharge not amounting to acquittal (DNAA) granted to Zahid is “one of the biggest red lines crossed”.
“That’s why Muda has taken the measure of launching a protest campaign on the streets, on social media as well as a ‘Kempen Dakwa Zahid’ or #DakwaZahid, which is based on three claims. We demand those claims be fulfilled,” Syed Saddiq was reported as saying by Malaysiakini at a press conference at Muda’s headquarters in Petaling Jaya today (Sept 5).
“If those claims are not fulfilled, we will take actions as a party.”
After 77 days of trial, the Kuala Lumpur High Court yesterday (Sept 4) acquitted Zahid of 47 charges of corruption, criminal breach of trust (CBT) and money laundering of Yayasan Akalbudi funds.
Judge Datuk Collin Lawrence Sequerah allowed the request of the AGC to have the trial proceedings stopped for all the charges against Zahid.
DNAA opens the possibility of Zahid being recharged again if prosecutors wish to revisit the matter.
MUDA’s three demands
Elaborating on the party’s three demands, Muda secretary-general Amir Hadi said: “The AGC must provide an explanation of the DNAA granted to Zahid during the parliamentary sitting which will reconvene next week, and not through a press statement so that it can be debated.
“Secondly, we also demand the separation of the public prosecutor’s office from the AGC immediately to ensure that there is no interference from executives in any court case. We also ask for the government to provide a timeline on when this can be implemented.
“And thirdly, we urge the public prosecutor to charge Zahid in court immediately. We also urge that no other cases that involve the people’s money be dropped like what happened to Zahid’s case.
“We also stress that the Muda president’s case should not be dropped, Syed Saddiq has concluded his defence and is just waiting for the verdict,” he was quoted as saying by Malaysiakini.
The former youth and sports minister is accused of abetting in CBT, misappropriation of assets and money laundering in relation to some RM1.2 mil in funds linked to the Bersatu youth wing, also known as Armada.
The Muar MP is awaiting a court ruling after the case was closed on April 11.
Echoing Syed Saddiq’s statement about Muda’s position in the unity government, Amir also told FMT that while the party is reconsidering its next move, no decision has been made yet.
“There has been no decision to leave yet. We are evaluating the situation,” Amir told the news portal. – FocusM Sept 5, 2023
