KUALA LUMPUR: The High Court here was today told that Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi could not be in court for the hearing of his corruption case, involving Yayasan Akalbudi funds, as he has been hospitalised due to a back injury.
Ahmad Zahid's counsel, Hisyam Teh Poh Teik, informed judge Datuk Collin Lawrence Sequerah that a letter from a specialist hospital stated that his client sustained the injury as a result of a fall.
"We have a letter, dated August 23, 2021, explaining to your lordship the circumstances of the accused not being present (in court today).
"The letter also said that due to the severity of the back pain, he is not able to sit for a long time. He was admitted to a private hospital in Shah Alam last Sunday (Aug 22)," he said.
He said Ahmad Zahid was scheduled to undergo a medical procedure at 8am today to relieve the pain.
"As far as the defence is concerned, we are ready to proceed. We don't want to be accused of any delay," he added.
The court was supposed to hear submission at the end of the prosecution case by both parties today.
Deputy public prosecutor Datuk Raja Rozela Raja Toran told the court that the prosecution was ready to submit the case today as the matter had been postponed many times.
"We leave the matter to the court to decide whether the case can be conducted via online or proceed without the accused present. That is an important point to consider, My Lord. We don't want the court to be seen as denying his right to be heard," she said.
On March 19, the prosecution closed the case after calling 99 witnesses to testify.
Ahmad Zahid, 68, is facing 47 charges - 12 on criminal breach of trust, eight on corruption and 27 on money laundering - involving tens of millions of ringgit belonging to Yayasan Akalbudi.
-- BERNAMA
Bernama
Tue Aug 24 2021
Ahmad Zahid was scheduled to undergo a medical procedure at 8 am today to relieve the pain, according to his lawyer, Hisyam. - BERNAMA/Filepic
Who is Prabowo Subianto, incoming president of Indonesia?
A wealthy ex-general with ties to Indonesia's popular outgoing president and its dictatorial past, looks set to be its next leader.
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.