KUALA LUMPUR: After 17 days in the witness stand, Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi finally completed giving evidence to defend himself today, against charges of corruption involving tens of millions of ringgit belonging to Yayasan Akalbudi (YAB).
Ahmad Zahid, 69, who gave his sworn testimony before Judge Datuk Collin Lawrence Sequerah starting April 13, denied all the allegations against him.
On the subsequent proceedings, lawyer Hamidi Mohd Noh representing Ahmad Zahid said the number of defence witnesses would be reduced to 40 from 43.
"The defence will prepare the witness statements and submit them to the prosecution within 14 days before they testify," said the lawyer.
Judge Sequerah: Is it still necessary to call 40 witnesses?
Hamidi: Yes, Your Honour, even if the number reaches 40, they will not take much time, in fact we will follow the trial schedule that has been set.
However, deputy public prosecutor Datuk Raja Rozela Raja Toran proposed that only 20 witnesses be called to testify.
"Earlier, it was said 43 witnesses will be called to give evidence, now it is down to 40, but it is still considered too many. So I propose that the court set additional dates for the coming proceedings," she said.
Ahmad Zahid's lead defence lawyer, Datuk Hisyam Teh Poh Teik , however said there was no need to set additional dates at this time because the witnesses would not take too long to testify.
The court then set that 40 witnesses will be called over 20 days from Sept 19 to 22 Sept, Sept 26 to 29, on Oct 17, 18, 19, 20 and 31 and Nov 1, 2 3, 7, 8, 9 and 10.
Ahmad Zahid is facing 47 charges, namely 12 charges of criminal breach of trust, eight charges of corruption and 27 charges of money laundering involving tens of millions of ringgit belonging to YAB.
-- BERNAMA
Bernama
Tue Aug 30 2022
After 17 days on the witness stand, Ahmad Zahid Hamidi finally completed giving evidence to defend himself today, against charges of corruption involving tens of millions of ringgit belonging to Yayasan Akalbudi (YAB). - BERNAMA
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.