The Temerloh Sessions Court has acquitted former Federal Territories Umno Youth chief Norza Zakaria ( right ) and his agent Halimi Kamaruzzaman of corruption charges today.

norza zakaria interview 070807 posture The duo were charged with vote buying during the run up to the Umno party elections last year.

They were acquitted after the prosecution decided not to pursue the case, following the charging of eight prosecution witnesses for perjury on June 4.

Among them were state special affairs department (Jasa) director Yusof Jamaluddin, 53, and two of his officers Nor Azhar Abdul Latif, 48, and Saiful Azman Mokhtar Affendi, 46.

The others were two businessmen Khadri Musa and Nasaruddin Abdullah. Both 47. All were charged separately and pleaded not guilty on May 14.

Two batches

The five were charged with perjury after discrepancies were found between their testimony and statements recorded by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC). 

On June 4, an additional three more witnesses were charged for perjury. They were - Mohammad Anuar Mohd Yunus, 43, school teacher Jalaluddin Johan, 55, and Pahang Jasa information assistant Mohd Sabri Aziz, 45.

All eight were charged under Section 193 of the Penal Code and if found guilty, they might face jail of up to seven years and a fine.

Norza, 43, who was formerly an Umno supreme council member, was accused of  handing RM1,500 to Khadri and faced another charge of handing RM1,900 to Mohammad Anuar Yunus.

According to the charge sheet, Khadri and Mohammad were suppose to distribute the money to Umno delegates as an inducement for voting for Norza, who was contesting for a seat on the supreme council.

Both offences were alleged to have been committed at 6.30pm on Jan 20, 2009 at No 38, Pinggiran Tasik, Taman Bandar Temerloh.

Halimi, 47, from Bandar Indera Mahkota, Kuantan was charged on two counts of giving bribes to Khadri and Mohammad Anuar on behalf of Norza at the same time, date and place.

Will he make a comeback?

Contacted by Malaysiakini , Norza said he was grateful that he was acquitted because his trial was a bitter and embarrassing experience.

“I wish to express gratitude to my family, supports and friends who have helped me unconditionally through this period,” he said.

However, Norza refused to divulge plans to return to active politics.

“I don’t want to think about politics at this point of time... I will become active against in society through NGOs,” he said.

On his position in Umno, Norza said he was still an Umno member but he does not hold any positions in the party.

Norza is a key ally to Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin.

Following Norza's arrest last year, speculation was rife that he was a victim of intense political power play to hamper Khairy's chances in the party polls.