KUALA LUMPUR: The lawyer for Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi announced that he will contest the Malaysian Bar’s application for court permission to launch a judicial review of the Attorney-General’s decision to halt proceedings against him on Sept 4. Ahmad Zahid’s lawyer, Guok Ngek Seong, said they plan to file an affidavit and argument to challenge the application before Jan 11, 2024. The hearing for the Malaysian Bar’s application is scheduled for Jan 11, 2024, before Judge Datuk Amarjeet Singh. The Attorney-General’s stance on the judicial review application will also be revealed during the hearing proceedings.
On Sept 4, the High Court granted Ahmad Zahid a discharge not amounting to an acquittal (DNAA) for 47 charges related to criminal breach of trust, corruption, and money laundering involving Yayasan Akalbudi funds, after the prosecution informed that the Attorney-General’s Chambers wanted to halt the proceedings against him to scrutinize new evidence. The Malaysian Bar Association named the Attorney-General and Ahmad Zahid as respondents in their application filed on Dec 2. The association is seeking an order annulling the Attorney-General’s decision and a declaration that it is null and void, asserting that it exceeded the jurisdiction and authority granted to the Attorney-General. The Malaysian Bar is also requesting a mandamus order instructing the Attorney-General to act in accordance with the law, including prosecuting Ahmad Zahid again if deemed appropriate, as per Section 254A of the Criminal Procedure Code. It also seeks an order compelling the Attorney-General to provide information and documentation justifying the decision to apply for a DNAA against Ahmad Zahid. The Malaysian Bar contends that the Attorney-General acted beyond jurisdiction and that the decision was unreasonable and irrational. – Bernama
