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THE Attorney-General, Tan Sri Mohd Dusuki Mokhtar, emphasised that the decision to classify Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi’s corruption case involving Yayasan Akalbudi funds as no further action (NFA) was not taken arbitrarily or on a whim.
Speaking to reporters at the opening of the 2026 Legal Year at the Malaysian International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC), Dusuki said the ruling followed a thorough assessment of legal and factual issues raised in six representations submitted by Ahmad Zahid’s legal team.
“I did not make this decision lightly or on a whim. It was made after considering the law, the facts, the representations, and the outcome of a comprehensive investigation,” he said.
Dusuki explained that the representations prompted a re-evaluation of the case, which included a review of investigations conducted by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).
The additional inquiries, he said, confirmed that there was no need for the case to proceed.
“In their six representation letters, the defence raised factual and legal issues which when we reassessed, we found that further investigations were necessary. This resulted in the NFA decision,” he said.
On questions about the High Court’s earlier prima facie finding against Ahmad Zahid, Dusuki clarified that such a ruling is distinct from the prosecution’s discretion under the law.
He noted that even cases with prima facie evidence could be reviewed further, particularly when appellate courts reassess the evidence.
“We respect the court's decisions… You must understand that in some cases, even after the defence has been called or after a conviction at the High Court, the case is reviewed again at the appellate stage.
“There are instances where charges are reduced or amended. This happens often, even after a conviction,” he said.
Dusuki noted that the additional investigations focused primarily on money flows central to the case.
“When we looked at all the money trails and issues raised, the prosecution’s case was weakened. The findings effectively diluted the strength of the case,” he added.
The Attorney-General declined to comment on recent social media posts by former minister Datuk Zaid Ibrahim, who had urged him to go on leave following a police report linked to the matter.
“This decision is final and Ahmad Zahid is cleared once and for all. It is absolute, definitive.
“There is no issue because we acted according to the powers vested under Article 145 of the Federal Constitution. Once we close the case and declare it final, that is it,” Dusuki stressed. - January 12, 2026
