Lawyer questions AG's silence over absence of Zahid prosecutor

A lawyer has urged Attorney-General Idrus Harun to explain reports that the lead prosecutor in Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi's graft trial had been dropped, saying many issues related to the Yayasan Akal Budi case were becoming "increasingly shrouded in mystery".

In a statement, Rafique Rashid said Raja Rozela Raja Toran had led the prosecution team from the start of the case until Zahid was called to defend himself. 

"The trial at the prosecution level continued for 53 days from Nov 18, 2019 to March 19, 2021, during which time 99 witnesses were called. 

"The yardstick of success for the prosecution team was, of course, when Zahid was called to defend himself, meaning that every element of the charges were successfully proven. 

"Then why has the head of the prosecution team been replaced?"

The New Straits Times reported earlier today that Raja Rozela had been dropped as lead prosecutor, days after highlighting her absence from court when the trial resumed last week. 

Raja Rozela declined to comment, telling the daily: "I am a public servant... I am not allowed to comment. My apologies."

Rafique, the Pejuang information chief, said the case was currently at the defence stage, and that Zahid himself had already given evidence. 

"However, the fact that he now holds the post of deputy prime minister and is also the president of Umno and the chairman of Barisan Nasional, which contributed 30 MPs in support of Anwar Ibrahim's position as prime minister, allows for all manner of speculation."

Citing a 200-page representation letter said to have been submitted to the attorney-general by Zahid's lawyer as well as the return of his international passport despite the 47 corruption charges against him, Rafique said these too had raised questions.

"The power to prosecute, stop, suspend and restart criminal charges against anyone in Malaysia is in the hands of the attorney-general. This is established law (trite law)," he said. 

"Article 145(3) of the Federal Constitution is also clear. This is not denied. But neither can it be denied that Raja Rozela led the Yayasan Akal Budi case until the accused was called to defend himself. 

"The attorney-general cannot remain silent about this. An explanation must be given."