Prosecution drops appeal in Zahid's VLN case

Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi’s acquittal in the Foreign Visa System (VLN) corruption case remains.

The prosecution informed the Court of Appeal this morning that they are withdrawing their appeal.

Two years ago, the Shah Alam High Court granted a discharge amounting to an acquittal to Zahid after finding that prosecutors had failed to prove a prima facie case (answerable case).

Meanwhile, Zahid said “Alhamdulillah” (praise be to God) in a post uploaded to Facebook.

During proceedings before a three-person appellate bench chaired by judge Che Mohd Ruzima Ghazali, the prosecution team told the court they decided to withdraw the appeal after considering Zahid’s representations.

‘Strong basis to leave acquittal be’

The prosecuting team said they found that there is a basis under the law and strong facts to leave undisturbed the trial court ruling of acquittal.

They said there was no evidence in the case to show Zahid had ever used his position to award the related contracts.

They noted the contracts were awarded before the respondent even held the position of home minister, thus showing he did not abuse power.

“Evidence shows that the contracts were awarded before the respondent (Ahmad Zahid) assumed the position of home minister. This negates the existence of opportunities and or space for the respondent to abuse his power,” deputy public prosecutor Yusaini Amer Abdul Karim said.

The bench, also comprised of judges Azman Abdullah and Azmi Ariffin, then struck out the prosecution’s appeal.

40 charges

On Sept 23 2022, the High Court acquitted Zahid over 40 graft charges linked to VLN.

He claimed trial to 33 counts of receiving bribes amounting to S$13.56 million (RM43.6 million) from Ultra Kirana Sdn Bhd for himself as then home minister to extend the company’s contract as the operator of a one-stop centre service in China and the VLN system, as well as to maintain its contract with the Home Ministry to supply the integrated system.

According to the charges, Zahid was accused of committing the offences at Seri Satria, Precinct 16, Putrajaya and Country Heights, Kajang, between October 2014 and March 2018.

For the remaining seven charges, he was purported to have obtained for himself cash of SG$1,150,000, RM3 million, 15,000 Swiss francs (RM70,000), and US$15,000 (RM68,000) from the same firm, in which prosecutors claimed he knew was related with his official functions.

Zahid was purported to have committed the offences at a house in Country Heights, Kajang, between June 2015 and October 2017.

He also pleaded not guilty to 33 alternative counts under Section 165 of the Penal Code, where he was charged in his capacity as then home minister with receiving bribes of S$13.56 million linked to the VLN system, between 2014 and 2017.

In September last year, prosecutors applied to drop the 47 Yayasan Akalbudi graft charges against Zahid, leading to the Kuala Lumpur High Court granting a discharge not amounting to an acquittal.

Deputy public prosecutor Yusaini Amer Abdul Karim led the prosecution team today.

Lawyer Hisyam Teh Poh Teik headed Zahid’s defence team.

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