Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi as he was ushered out of the sessions court this morning – Bernama file photo
KUALA LUMPUR: UMNO president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi pleaded not guilty in the Sessions Court today to 45 charges of criminal breach of trust, accepting bribes and money-laundering amounting to RM114,148,983.86.
Ahmad Zahid, 65, who is the former deputy prime minister, had his plea recorded before Judge Azura Alwi after the charges were read out to him.
Under the MACC Act 2009 and the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001 (AMLATFAPUAA), Ahmad Zahid faces 45 charges.
The court allowed the Bagan Datuk MP bail of RM2 million in one surety and ordered him to surrender his passport to the court pending disposal of the case.
Prior to Sessions Court at the Kuala Lumpur Courts Complex this morning, former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak had shown up and stated to reporters that he had come to give ‘moral support’ to Ahmad Zahid.
Najib arrived at 9.17 am and entered the complex where Ahmad Zahid has been brought to face charges. He left at 9.50 am.
Other UMNO leaders who were at the complex were deputy president Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan; vice-president Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob and secretary-general Tan Sri Annuar Musa.
The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) arrested Ahmad Zahid at 3.15 pm yesterday.
More details to follow as story develops.
– Bernama