- Advertisement -
News

Prosecution withdraws letter asking court to prioritise Zahid's case over Najib's

Zahid's lawyer Hisyam Teh Poh Teik says the letter could be construed as applying pressure on the court.

Bernama
2 minute read
Share
Former deputy prime minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi (fifth right) arrives at the Kuala Lumpur court complex today. Photo: Bernama
Former deputy prime minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi (fifth right) arrives at the Kuala Lumpur court complex today. Photo: Bernama

The prosecution in Ahmad Zahid Hamidi's corruption case has withdrawn a letter to the trial judge, Collin Lawrence Sequerah, asking for the case to be prioritised over that of Najib Razak regarding state investment fund 1MDB. 

Deputy public prosecutor Abdul Malik Ayob told the court that as the letter had been withdrawn, the matter was now considered over.

"As such, there is no such application before the court. Thus, let us proceed with this case," he said before the commencement of today’s proceedings.

At this point, Sequerah said no one could dictate what case should be given priority in his court.

Zahid’s counsel, Hisyam Teh Poh Teik, then said that the letter could be construed as applying pressure on the court.
 
"We hope this trial will be conducted according to the rule of law," he said.

Sequerah is also the trial judge in Najib’s 1MDB case where the former prime minister is charged with four counts of using his position to obtain bribes totalling RM2.3 billion from 1MDB funds and 21 charges of money laundering involving the same amount.

The letter to Sequerah was sent to his secretary yesterday afternoon.

According to Malik, he was instructed to give priority to Zahid's case which was at the defence stage, and a copy of the letter was extended to the Umno president's defence team.

The letter has been making the rounds on social media since yesterday evening, with some questioning its authenticity.

Today, the trial continues with Zahid being re-examined by another of his lawyers, Hamidi Mohd Noh.

Zahid faces 47 charges: 12 of criminal breach of trust, eight of corruption and 27 of money laundering, involving tens of millions of ringgit belonging to Yayasan Akalbudi.