SHAH ALAM: The High Court here today acquitted and discharged former Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi on 40 charges of receiving bribes in connection with the Foreign Visa System (VLN).
Judge Datuk Mohd Yazid Mustafa acquitted Ahmad Zahid, 69, who is also UMNO president, after finding that the prosecution had failed to establish a prima facie at the end of the prosecution case against him.
Following is the chronology of the case:
June 26, 2019 - Ahmad Zahid was charged in the Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court with seven charges of receiving bribe from Ultra Kirana Sdn Bhd (UKSB) amounting to SG$4.24 million in relation to the system.
June 27, 2019 - Ahmad Zahid was charged in the Shah Alam Sessions Court with 33 counts of receiving bribes from UKSB involving the VLN.
July 31, 2019 - The KL Sessions Court allowed an application by Ahmad Zahid to transfer to the Shah Alam Sessions Court his case on seven counts of corruption in relation to the VLN.
Nov 28, 2019 - Ahmad Zahid's case was transferred from the Sessions Court to the Shah Alam High Court.
Jan 6, 2020 - High Court Judge Datuk Noorin Badaruddin set April 12 to hear the corruption case.
March 16, 2021 - High Court Judge Datuk Mohd Yazid Mustafa set 16 days, namely May 24, 25 and 27, June 1-3, June 14-18 and June 21-25 for the hearing of the case.
Earlier, the hearing which was set on April 24, 2021 was postponed following the implementation of the Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO) and was moved to May until June as a result of a change in High Court Judge.
May 24, 2021 - The hearing before Judge Mohd Yazid begins.
June 1, 2021 - The trial of Ahmad Zahid's corruption case was postponed to June 15 following the two-week total lockdown implemented nationwide starting today.
June 23, 2021 - The trial of Ahmad Zahid's corruption case was further postponed to July 5 following the implementation of MCO 3.0.
Aug 11, 2021 - After being postponed twice following the implementation of MCO 3.0, the trial of Ahmad Zahid's case is set for Aug 25 and Sept 1 and 2.
Aug 25, 2021 - Court granted the hearing to be vacated after Ahmad Zahid's counsel, Datuk Ahmad Zaidi Zainal, produced to the court a letter from a hospital stating his client's condition and injuries.
Sept 1, 2021 - The High Court allowed Ahmad Zahid's application to postpone his corruption trial as he is on sick leave until Sept 4, then set Sept 28, Oct 22, Nov 18 and 19, and Dec 20 to 24, to resume the trial.
Oct 11, 2021 - The High Court allowed Ahmad Zahid's application for the temporary return of his passport to enable him to go to Germany for back and neck pain treatment.
Dec 23, 2021 - The trial has been vacated as the former deputy prime minister was unwell. The trial was then set to resume on Feb 3, 2022.
Aug 11, 2022 - The prosecution closed its case after calling 18 witnesses.
Sept 1, 2022 - Submissions at the end of the prosecution's case begin.
Sept 7, 2022 - Judge Mohd Yazid set Sept 23, 2022 for the decision after hearing the submissions by both parties for four days.
-- BERNAMA
Bernama
Fri Sep 23 2022
Judge Datuk Mohd Yazid Mustafa acquitted Ahmad Zahid, 69, after finding that the prosecution had failed to establish a prima facie at the end of the prosecution case against him. - BERNAMA/Filepic
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.
Minimum wage to increase to RM1,700 effective Feb 1, 2025
The Progressive Wage Policy would be fully enforced next year with an allocation of RM200 million, benefiting 50,000 workers.
Bursa Malaysia ends higher on Budget 2025 optimism
The benchmark index, which opened 1.85 points higher at 1,643.29, moved between 1,641.71 and 1,649.31 throughout the trading session.
Five important aspects relating to people’s lives in Budget 2025 - PM
The focus is on driving the MADANI Economy, speeding reforms, cutting red tape, raising wages, and tackling the cost of living.
Economic outlook: Govt plans to leverage, expand existing city transit system
The expansion aims to provide a more efficient and reliable public transportation network, reduce congestion, and improve accessibility.
Economic outlook: Budget 2025 to lay foundation for a digital-driven economy
The report said Budget 2025 will entail efforts to position Kuala Lumpur as a top 20 global startup hub by 2030 through the KL20 initiative.
Economic outlook: Corruption and lack of accountability hinder economic progress
Special Cabinet Committee on National governance is established to curb corruption, law reforms to modernise outdate regulations, MoF said.
National Wages Consultative Council will be strengthened
The govt will also incentivise hiring women returning from career breaks, offer job matching and improve care services facilities.
Economic outlook: Ensuring 11 years of compulsory education for all children
Budget 2025 will continue prioritising upskilling and retraining initiatives to equip workers with the latest skill sets necessary.
Consolidated public sector projected to record lower surplus of RM41.7 bil 2024
The MoF said the consolidated general government revenue is estimated to increase slightly to RM384.7 billion in 2024.
PM announces substantial Budget 2025 hastening Malaysia to become Asian economic powerhouse
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said it would create jobs and also tackle financial leakages to enhance public spending efficiency.