KUALA LUMPUR – Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has formally requested to be acquitted and discharged of 47 charges related to criminal breach of trust, corruption, and money laundering involving funds from Yayasan Akalbudi.
His lawyer, Datuk Hisyam Teh Poh Teik, confirmed that the application was submitted to the High Court on January 28, naming the Public Prosecutor as the respondent, Bernama reported.
“We are filing this application based on the media statement issued by the Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC) on January 8, which indicated that no further action (NFA) would be taken regarding the 47 charges against our client,” Hisyam said.
He added that Ahmad Zahid has been discharged without acquittal (DNAA) for over two years, with the charges still unresolved.
“It is unfair for the charges to remain pending for such an extended period. He is seeking closure and the truth,” Hisyam stated after today’s proceedings before High Court Judge Nurulhuda Nur’aini Mohamad Nor.
The application, which was accompanied by a certificate of urgency, was filed with the AGC on January 30. The court has scheduled the hearing for February 24.
During the session, Deputy Head of Prosecution Division II Datuk Badius Zaman Ahmad requested a postponement of the hearing, explaining that the prosecution had only received the application on January 30.
“We seek a postponement to allow time to prepare a reply affidavit,” he said, noting that the defence had no objections to the delay.
Judge Nurulhuda granted the postponement and ordered the prosecution to file its reply affidavit by February 13. The hearing of the application will take place on February 24.
It is understood that Ahmad Zahid will be present at the hearing.
On January 8, the AGC announced that it would not pursue the 47 charges against Ahmad Zahid, following a review of new evidence and materials.
On January 12, Attorney-General Tan Sri Mohd Dusuki Mokhtar clarified that the decision to classify the case as NFA followed careful consideration of six representations submitted by the UMNO president. He emphasised that the decision was not made arbitrarily and that all cases are thoroughly evaluated based on facts, evidence, and legal merits.
On September 4, 2023, the High Court had discharged Ahmad Zahid on the 47 charges after the prosecution notified the court of its decision to discontinue proceedings. The ruling was delivered by then High Court Judge Datuk Collin Lawrence Sequerah, who has since been promoted to the Federal Court. - February 3, 2026
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