12-12-2024 (KUALA LUMPUR) The Office of Malaysia’s Attorney-General has withdrawn its appeal against Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi’s acquittal in a high-profile corruption case involving foreign visa system contracts, marking a definitive end to the legal proceedings.
In today’s Court of Appeal hearing, Deputy Head of Appellate and Trial Division Datuk Yusaini Amer Abdul Karim announced the decision following thorough consideration of two representations submitted by Ahmad Zahid’s legal team in January 2023 and February 2024.
“Our review has uncovered compelling legal and factual grounds supporting the High Court’s initial ruling,” stated Yusaini. “The evidence presented failed to establish any direct link between the accused and the contract awards in question.”
The prosecution’s retreat stems from several critical factors, notably the timing of the contract awards, which predated Ahmad Zahid’s appointment as Home Minister. This chronology, according to Yusaini, effectively nullified allegations of power abuse.
Furthermore, the investigation revealed significant evidentiary gaps. A key ledger documented numerous financial transactions involving multiple individuals, yet investigators failed to pursue these leads. The prosecution also struggled to verify witness entry procedures at the defendant’s residences, whilst the contract extension process appeared to follow standard protocols.
The three-judge panel, led by Datuk Che Mohd Ruzima Ghazali and including Datuk Azmi Ariffin and Datuk Azman Abdullah, formally struck out the appeal.
The case centred on 40 corruption charges relating to the foreign visa system (VLN) contract, with alleged offences occurring between October 2014 and March 2018 at locations in Putrajaya and Kajang.
Speaking outside the courthouse, a visibly relieved Ahmad Zahid expressed gratitude to both his legal team and the Attorney-General’s Chambers. His lead counsel, Datuk Hisyam Teh Poh Teik, described the outcome as “a pleasant surprise” whilst noting that it vindicated the High Court’s original acquittal decision of September 2022.
This represents Ahmad Zahid’s first full acquittal, following a previous discharge not amounting to an acquittal in September 2023 regarding separate allegations of misappropriating RM31 million from his charitable foundation, Yayasan Akalbudi.
