Why push for explanation of Zahid’s DNAA when AG’s Chambers has already given one, says Ahmad Maslan

MUAR: There is no need for the Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC) to explain the discharge not amounting to an acquittal (DNAA) granted to Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, says Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan.

The Umno supreme council member said sufficient reasons had been given in court by the AGC and prosecutor involved.

“They (the AGC) have… highlighted the 11 reasons (for the DNAA).

“The AGC also came out with a brief press release saying that the arguments were accepted by the (Kuala Lumpur High Court),” he told a press conference Thursday (Sept 7) while campaigning for Pakatan Harapan’s Simpang Jeram candidate Nazri Abdul Rahman here.

On Monday (Sept 4), the High Court granted Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid a DNAA for 47 graft charges involving Yayasan Akalbudi (YAB) funds.

The charges were brought against him by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) in connection with alleged misuse of funds regarding his charitable foundation YAB.

On Wednesday (Sept 6), the AGC said in a statement that arguments presented by the prosecution in the application to discharge but not acquit Ahmad Zahid were accepted by the court.

In a two-paragraph statement, it said the High Court judge had stated that the arguments presented by the prosecution were cogent.

The AGC issued the statement in response to criticism of its move not to proceed with the case against Ahmad Zahid.

Commenting further, Ahmad added that Zahid’s DNAA was in fact a good thing that would help boost support in the Pulai and Simpang Jeram by-elections.

“The truth is finally out. For those who look at it in a negative light, they may not like it; but to me, it is positive.

“I was also among those dragged to court for allegedly receiving 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) funds from former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak but in the end the truth prevails and I was acquitted of the charges.

“Similarly in this case, I see it as a good thing and it will definitely help in this election,” he said.

In 2021, Ahmad Maslan was acquitted of two criminal charges involving money laundering and giving a false statement to the MACC.