Attorney-General Idrus Harun today broke his silence over the sudden absence of the lead prosecutor in the corruption trial of Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, saying it was Raja Rozela Raja Toran who had applied for "early retirement".

In a statement, Idrus said Raja Rozela's application was approved and her retirement would take effect on Nov 1.

"Additionally, Raja Rozela has applied for leave before retiring on Aug 30," he said.

He added that, as the trial would continue until December, it was decided that Mohd Dusuki Mokhtar would take over from Raja Rozela.

"This decision was carefully made to ensure the prosecution's case against Ahmad Zahid Hamidi will not be affected, as well as to ensure that the Attorney-General's Chambers upholds justice in accordance with the attorney-general's powers as provided in Clause (3) Article 145 of the Federal Constitution," Idrus said.

Raja Rozela has been leading the prosecution team since the start of the high-profile case involving the deputy prime minister.

Her absence was first reported by the New Straits Times on Aug 5, followed by intense speculation that she had been dropped.

Earlier today, the paper reported that Raja Rozela had declined to comment on her status as the lead prosecutor: "I am a public servant... I am not allowed to comment. My apologies."

At least two lawyers have publicly demanded an explanation for her absence, saying the development has a bearing on public confidence in the manner in which the trial is conducted.

"This prosecution against a sitting deputy prime minister is a matter of high public interest. It must be seen to be carried out independently and transparently, without any interference," said Bersatu lawyer Sasha Lyna Abdul Latif.

Another lawyer questioned the timing of replacing Raja Rozela.

"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 was successfully proven.

"Then why has the head of the prosecution team been replaced?" asked Rafique Rashid.

There has been no reaction from the Bar Council at press time.

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

Among the CBT charges is that he allegedly settled his credit card debts using Yayasan Akalbudi through 44 cheques amounting to some RM1.3 million between January 2013 and December 2016.

The Umno president played a critical role in getting his party to support Anwar Ibrahim's bid for the top office in the aftermath of the general election last year, which saw a hung parliament.