PM denies involvement in Zahid's DNAA, says AG had full authority

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has denied any involvement in the Attorney-General's Chambers (AGC) decision to withdraw all 47 charges against Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi in the Yayasan Akalbudi corruption case.

He said the matter was decided by the attorney-general.

"The AG had full authority and he gave his reasons.

"It is the AG’s decision and I can't interfere," Anwar was quoted as saying by Astro Awani.

Anwar said this when met by reporters in Jakarta tonight.

The AG in question is Idrus Harun, who is officially retired as of midnight.

Anwar's rival Muhyiddin Yassin had earlier questioned whether the DNAA was based on instructions "from above".

The prosecution on Monday applied for a DNAA on all 47 charges against Zahid on alleged corruption involving Yayasan Akalbudi.

This is despite Judge Collin Lawrence Sequerah finding that the prosecution had established prima facie (answerable case) against the Umno president, who was ordered to enter his defence.

The prosecution said that the DNAA request was for several reasons, including to allow the MACC to conduct further investigations; to look into the possibility that there was selective prosecution; and to wait for the royal commission of inquiry (RCI) on former attorney-general Tommy Thomas’ memoir.

The DNAA was granted in line with Article 145(3) of the Federal Constitution, which states that the AG has full authority to withdraw charges.

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