Zahid’s YAB trial: Datuk K allowed to testify with sunglasses on

KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi’s defence team requested that their eight witness, Datuk Seri Khalid Mohamad Jiwa, be allowed to wear sunglasses while testifying in the High Court here on Monday (Aug 21).

Lawyer Hamidi Mohd Noh, representing the Deputy Prime Minister, said Khalid, better known as Datuk K, was recovering from recent eye surgery, Malay language daily Sinar Harian reported.

Presiding judge Justice Collin Lawrence Sequerah (now an Appeals Court judge), asked if it was really necessary to use the sunglasses.

Hamidi: His eyes get dry when exposed to light. For further information, please ask Datuk Khalid directly.

Khalid: I just underwent eye surgery, which causes my eyes to be dry and occasionally teary when exposed to bright light.

Justice Sequerah then asked how dark Khalid’s sunglasses were.

Khalid: Not that dark, only about 30%, I can remove it if the court orders, but it would not feel comfortable.

Justice Sequerah then allowed the application on medical grounds, Sinar Harian reported.

Ahmad Zahid, 70, is facing 47 charges, namely 12 criminal breach of trust, eight corruption and 27 money laundering charges over funds belonging to Yayasan Akalbudi.