KUALA LUMPUR, September 5 – Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi expressed his gratitude after the Kuala Lumpur High Court on Monday decided to discharge him, not amounting to an acquittal, on 47 charges of corruption, breach of trust, and money laundering (AMLA) involving funds from the Akalbudi Foundation. The UMNO president said that the court’s announcement was not only joyful news for him but also for his entire family, including his beloved wife.
“I, along with all family members, including my son-in-law, grandchildren, and wife, feel grateful to ALLAH because today the court has made a decision that the 47 charges brought against me have been dropped. I have been decided to be released, but it is not an acquittal because the Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) has not yet completed its investigation into former Attorney General Tan Sri Tommy Thomas. The second matter involves representation that has not yet been fully concluded,” he said at a press conference on Monday in the courtyard of the Kuala Lumpur High Court.
Regarding the dropping of the charges, Ahmad Zahid expressed his gratitude to the team of lawyers who worked hard. He said all the lawyers had performed their duties professionally and responsibly. “I am very grateful for the work done by the entire team of lawyers,” he said. In addition, he said thanks were also extended to all the leaders and supporters of UMNO who continued to provide unwavering support. “I would like to thank the UMNO Supreme Council members, the Wanita (Women’s) Chief, the Youth Chief, and the Puteri UMNO (UMNO’s young women’s wing).
“Thanks also to all the religious scholars, my teachers, and the prayers of friends, both known and unknown, for their prayers. Thanks are also extended to all the component party leaders of the National Front (BN) for the support given to me all this time,” he said. He added that the task of UMNO and BN is to continue the struggle and provide the best service to the people. Furthermore, he said the struggle is also continued to prevent any politically motivated allegations or accusations from being stopped.
