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Many had predicted outcome of Zahid's court case, says Khairy

KUALA LUMPUR: Many had predicted that Umno president, Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi would walk out free against his charges, said former Rembau member of parliament Khairy Jamaluddin.

"People have already concluded that Zahid's case is not going to continue... and there are people waiting for that day to happen." he said, in the latest episode of Keluar Sekejap podcast with the former Umno information chief, Shahril Sufian Hamdan today.

Highlighting the challenges faced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to reach his current position, Khairy expressed concern that Anwar had to address this issue.

"I feel sad because yesterday marked the 25th anniversary of the so-called 'Reformasi', but it has also turned into a day of 'Reformati'.

"Perhaps in PMX's (Anwar) estimation, three to four years from now, people would have already forgotten as there may be new issues, scandals and plays.

"He is a politician, he must have calculated this." he said.

The former health minister also mentioned there was a difference between the court's decision involving Zahid and Perikatan Nasional (PN) chairman, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.

"The court functions as a referee to hear evidence and arguments presented by both sides and eventually make a decision based on the evidence provided.

"The court is not involved in the prosecution or defense of the individual.

"In Zahid's case, the prosecution has proved there is a 'prima facie' case, meaning there is a case to answer." he explained.

According to Khairy, Zahid now has to defend himself against the charges and prove his innocence.

He further explained that, under the Federal Constitution, the Attorney General is entitled to decide not to proceed with the trial.

However, he stated that, unlike Muhyiddin's case, the court rejected the charges presented by the prosecutor and deemed them 'defective' due to insufficient evidence of the offense.

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