I don't have power to influence court decisions, Anwar says of Zahid's DNAA

KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has emphasized that he does not possess the authority to meddle in the court decision regarding Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, following continuous criticism. Responding to allegations that he influenced how the Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC) handled Ahmad Zahid’s corruption case, the Prime Minister stated, “If I had the power, I would have postponed the decision until after all the by-elections were concluded.” This statement was made after Friday prayers on September 8, with the Prime Minister referring to the twin by-elections in Johor on September 9 and an upcoming one in Pahang.

The Perikatan Nasional opposition coalition has claimed that the court decision would enhance its prospects in the Simpang Jeram state and Pulai parliamentary by-elections. On September 4, the Kuala Lumpur High Court granted Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid a discharge not amounting to an acquittal on 47 charges related to funds from Yayasan Akalbudi, following the withdrawal of charges by the AGC. This decision has drawn criticism from legal experts and criminal lawyers who question why the prosecution chose to discontinue the case despite presenting 99 witnesses and establishing a prima facie case against Ahmad Zahid.

The court decision has sparked speculation that Anwar may have struck a deal with Ahmad Zahid, wherein the case would be dropped in exchange for the latter’s support for Anwar’s bid for Prime Minister. Anwar disclosed some of his discussions with outgoing attorney general Tan Sri Idrus Harun, which ultimately influenced the decision-making process.

“The AGC did not agree to postpone its application to the court because the trial dates were set for September 4, while his last day in office was September 5,” Anwar explained. He further added that Idrus Harun wanted to fulfill his responsibilities and did not wish to hand them over to someone else. Anwar expressed understanding for the public’s desire for further clarification on the handling of the case and revealed his own request for an explanation from the AGC.

“But… the judge was satisfied with it,” Anwar conceded, referring to the 11 reasons presented by the AGC to the court. “We cannot blame the court,” he added.