KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi was freed from all corruption charges for misappropriating funds belonging to Yayasan Akal Budi (YAB) today.
This is after the High Court granted the deputy prime minister a discharge not amounting to acquittal (DNAA) of 12 criminal breach of trust (CBT) charges, eight counts of bribery and 27 for money laundering, involving scores of millions of ringgit belonging to YAB.
When the court grants a DNAA, it means that the accused is discharged from the current charges without being acquitted of the charges.
The case is temporarily put on hold or suspended, but the prosecution has the option to refile the charges or reinstate the case at a later time if new evidence or circumstances warrant it.
Zahid, clad in a dark suit, hugged his supporters and family members who sat inside the packed courtroom when the proceedings ended.
The 70-year-old had been facing 47 charges of criminal breach of trust, graft and money laundering involving YAB funds.
He was accused of committing the offences between March 28, 2016, and April 11, 2018.
He was charged on Oct 19, 2018 and was later ordered to enter his defence.
Zahid's lawyers have, however, filed representation letters to the Attorney-General's Chambers (AGC) to have his charges dropped, though the decision on the matter is pending.
The Umno president's defence team has contended their client should be freed as new evidence had emerged in the case.
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