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By Mihar Dias Copyright (C) October 2023
In his latest Facebook post, Tun Dr. Mahathir disputed Zahid Hamidi's allegations submitted during the latter's trial:
• Dr. Mahathir initially refrained from commenting on the trial as he believed he should only comment if called as a witness.
• Instead of being called, the Attorney General (AG) offered Zahid a DNAA (Discharge Not Amounting to Acquittal), preventing the court from deciding on the allegations
• Mahathir recalled a meeting with Zahid after UMNO lost in the 14th election, where he advised Zahid to dissolve UMNO due to its inability to be revived.
• While Mahathir's advice aligned with Zahid's initial allegation, he clarified that he did not threaten to charge Zahid for misappropriating Yayasan Akal Budi (YAB) funds.
• Mahathir stated that he was not well-informed about Zahid's misdeeds, leaving it to the AG's investigation.
• When Zahid showed Mahathir a thick file claiming his innocence, Mahathir advised him to present it to the judge and stated he had no authority to assist him.
• Zahid later withdrew the files, possibly because charges were preferred against him by the AG.
• Mahathir emphasized that the AG has the authority to charge individuals based on the merits of the case without requiring the Prime Minister's opinion.
• Mahathir expressed a desire to be called a witness to verify Zahid's allegations but stated that he was not called. He also reiterated that he never threatened Zahid.
So, what then is the implication of the above revelations?
The implications of Tun Dr. Mahathir's Facebook post disputing Zahid Hamidi's allegations during Zahid's trial are multifaceted and may impact various aspects of Malaysian politics and the legal system:
• Legal Proceedings: The post sheds light on the interactions and advice given by Mahathir to Zahid, which could potentially be relevant to Zahid's legal defence. However, Mahathir makes it clear that he did not threaten Zahid with legal action, which could weaken Zahid's claims.
• Credibility: Mahathir's statement may influence public perception of Zahid's credibility and the allegations against him. Mahathir's clarification about not threatening legal action might sway opinions.
• Political Dynamics: The revelation of Mahathir advising Zahid to dissolve UMNO and his views on the party's revival could have implications for UMNO's internal politics and its positioning within the broader political landscape.
• Role of the Attorney General: Mahathir's comments emphasise the authority of the Attorney General in initiating legal actions independently of the Prime Minister's opinion. This underscores the importance of maintaining the independence of the AG's office.
• Witness Testimony: Mahathir expresses a desire to have been called a witness, suggesting that his testimony could have been significant in the trial. The absence of his testimony may raise questions about the thoroughness of the legal proceedings.
• Public Discourse: The Facebook post can fuel public discussions and debates about the trial, political manoeuvres, and the integrity of the legal system in Malaysia.
Overall, this latest post adds complexity to the ongoing legal case against Zahid Hamidi and may impact public perceptions of the individuals involved, political parties, and the legal processes in Malaysia.
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