Major Legal Victory for Malaysia’s Deputy PM Ahmad Zahid: Corruption Charges Dropped!

In a landmark development, Malaysia's Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has been fully acquitted of 40 bribery charges linked to a corruption case involving foreign visas. This significant ruling was cemented on December 12, 2023, when prosecutors announced the withdrawal of their appeal against his acquittal, originally decided by the Shah Alam High Court in September 2022.

Deputy Public Prosecutor Yusaini Amer Abdul Karim disclosed that after a thorough review of the trial judge's findings and considering submissions made on Zahid's behalf, the Attorney-General's office chose not to pursue further action against the Deputy PM.

The charges against Zahid stemmed from allegations of receiving approximately S$13.56 million (around US$10.1 million) in bribes from the company Ultra Kirana Sdn Bhd during his tenure as Home Affairs Minister between 2014 and 2018. Reports indicated that the funds were allegedly intended to ensure the awarding of a contract for a foreign visa system and its extension through to 2025.

In addition to the significant sums involved, Zahid also faced seven charges regarding additional suspected bribes in various currencies, totaling S$1.15 million, RM3 million, €15,000 (approximately RM67,032), and US$15,000 (around RM67,548).

Zahid, who also held the Deputy Prime Minister position from 2015 to 2018 under former Prime Minister Najib Razak, currently presides over the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO), a key party within Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's government.

DPP Yusaini emphasized that after an exhaustive examination, the prosecution found no substantial evidence indicating that Zahid, now 71, had misused his official position to award any contracts directly relating to the case. He also stressed that investigators failed to adequately probe the sources of the funding received and did not investigate individuals linked to these overseas funds, echoing the judge's findings during the trial.

This ruling has become a focal point in Malaysian politics, raising questions about the integrity of public officials and the effectiveness of corruption investigations in the country. As Zahid celebrates this crucial legal win, the case underscores the broader challenges facing Malaysia as it grapples with governance and accountability in the wake of past scandals.

Implications for Future Corruption Cases in Malaysia

What does this mean for the future of corruption cases in Malaysia? Stay tuned as we continue to explore the implications of this ruling!