AGC: Zahid's DNAA based on 'cogent' reasons

AGC: Zahid's DNAA based on 'cogent' reasons


The withdrawal of 47 corruption charges against Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi was based on cogent reasons, the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) said.

"Based on media reports that the AGC's act to withdraw the charges against Zahid is immoral, the department would like to stress that the decision was made based on reasons given, and accepted by the court.

"When making the decision, the honourable judge stated that the reasons given by the prosecution were cogent," the AGC said in a brief statement this evening.

The remark comes following questions by Perikatan Nasional chairperson Muhyiddin Yassin on whether there were "orders from superiors" for the AGC to withdraw the charges against Zahid.

The former prime minister also said the episode was "immoral" and a "black mark" in the country's judicial history, which could affect investors’ confidence.

Perikatan Nasional chairperson Muhyiddin Yassin


Earlier today, Muda president Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman also threatened to withdraw support from the coalition government, which would deny the latter a two-thirds majority in the Dewan Rakyat, if the AGC did not explain the decision to withdraw Zahid's charges.

The withdrawal has also raised eyebrows within the government, with Pakatan Harapan components DAP and Amanah urging outgoing Attorney-General Idrus Harun to explain why prosecutors withdrew their case against Zahid.

Yesterday, Zahid was granted a discharge not amounting to an acquittal (DNAA) for 47 corruption charges related to Yayasan Akalbudi funds.