The Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court today acquitted and discharged former Immigration Department director-general Wahid Md Don

of accepting a bribe of RM60,000 to expedite the approval of visas for Bangladeshi workers.

Judge Rosbiahanin Arifin made the decision after ruling that the prosecution had failed to raise a prima facie case.

Wahid, 57, was charged with accepting the bribe from a businessman Low Chang Hian to expedite approval of 4,337 calling visas for Bangladeshi workers.

He was alleged to have committed the offence at his house at Jalan Lembah Ledang, Off Jalan Duta, at 10.15 on July 10, 2008.

In the trial which began on Aug 17, 2009, the prosecution called 40 witnesses, including former home minister Syed Hamid Albar, Low and several foreign workers' agents.

Speaking to reporters outside the courtroom later, Wahid said he was grateful for the court's decision, reported Bernama .

Wahid, who had served the government for 33 years, also said that he would resume his duties soon.

In a statement today, MACC headquarters said that its Legal and Prosecution Division would be appealing the decision.

"This is because MACC is confident that (we) have a strong case. No reason was given by the Sessions Court for the acquittal," he said.