Former lead prosecutor in Zahid's case confirms early retirement

Raja Rozela Raja Toran, the former lead prosecutor in Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi's Yayasan Akalbudi corruption case, has confirmed applying for an early retirement.

“Yes, I applied for early retirement and applied for leave before retirement beginning Nov 1,” she was quoted as saying by Berita Harian.

Yesterday, Attorney-General Idrus Harun announced that Raja Rozela (above) opted to retire after questions were raised over news reports that she had been “dropped” and replaced with senior prosecutor Mohd Dusuki Mokhtar.

Bersatu legal and constitution bureau deputy chief Sasha Lyna Abdul Latif had said Raja Rozela's removal from the case came at a critical juncture because Zahid's representation to the AG’s Chambers for the case to be dropped was pending decision.

"Our country’s international reputation, in terms of business and investments, will be affected by how this prosecution is handled,” she said.

The opposition has repeatedly zeroed in on Zahid’s case, suggesting that the charges against him could be dropped as a part of a political arrangement.

Zahid had been instrumental in the formation of the Pakatan Harapan-BN coalition government after last November’s national polls ended in a political deadlock.

Reasons for picking Dusuki explained

In his statement, Idrus said Raja Rozela applied for early retirement on April 3. He also explained the reasons for picking Dusuki to lead the prosecution.

"Raja Rozela applied for early retirement on April 3, 2023. The application was greenlighted and will take effect on Nov 1, 2023. Furthermore, Raja Rozela had applied for leave-before-retirement beginning Aug 30, 2023.

“Dusuki was chosen to be the new leader for the prosecution team against Zahid due to his vast experience of nearly 30 years as deputy public prosecutor,” he added.

Idrus said Dusuki had conducted various high-profile court cases such as the one involving the Sulu intrusion in Lahad Datu.

He added that in light of Zahid’s criminal trial set for resumption on Aug 21 until December this year, it was imperative to appoint a new prosecution team leader.

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