PSM: Zahid's 'second jackpot' - another day at the office

When political considerations transform “reformists into conformists” nothing should come as a surprise, said PSM deputy chairperson S Arutchelvan.

He made the scathing indictment in response to the prosecution withdrawing its appeal over Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi’s acquittal in the Foreign Visa System (VLN) corruption case this morning.

“Nothing to see here, just another day at the office. Is anyone surprised? The people know what is happening and why Zahid is being released,” he told Malaysiakini today.

Arutchelvan (above, left), who described the decision as the “second jackpot” for the Umno president, said he expects Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to pass the buck to the attorney-general.

“I am sure PMX (Anwar) will say this is the AG’s decision and the AG is independent.

“This is the same Anwar who claimed in the past that the AG was not independent. I see little evidence to show the situation has changed,” he added.

Arutchelvan said the matter should have been left to the court to decide without the prosecution withdrawing the appeal.

“This would have given more legitimacy and boost people’s confidence in the system and fighting corruption,” he added.

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.

On Sept 4, 2023, Zahid was granted a discharge not amounting to an acquittal (DNAA) over 47 corruption charges when the prosecution decided to discontinue the Yayasan Akalbudi trial.

‘Expect the same with Sabah’

Travelling across the South China Sea, Arutchelvan said he expected the investigation into the alleged Sabah scandal to meet a similar fate.

“MACC will say the videos contain no elements of corruption and blame the whistleblower for not handing over the evidence.

“PMX will say MACC is independent. Pakatan Harapan leaders will sing a similar tune. Case closed and it is business as usual for the Madani government,” he added.

On Monday, MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki said 15 individuals had been questioned with regard to the alleged Sabah corruption scandal, including the whistleblower.

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