KUALA LUMPUR: Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi was today slapped with an additional criminal breach of trust (CBT) charge involving RM260,000 belonging to Yayasan Akalbudi.
The former deputy prime minister, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge before Sessions Court judge Azura Alwi.
With the additional charge, Zahid, 66, is now faced with a total of 47 charges, comprising 12 counts for CBT, eight counts of bribery and 27 counts of money-laundering.
He was charged in his capacity as an agent of Yayasan Akalbudi and was alleged to have used the monies to make payment to TS Consultancy & Resources at Affin Bank, Jalan Masjid India on Dec 23, 2016.
The offence falls under Section 409 of the Penal Code with carries maximum of 20 years jail term, whipping and fine, if found guilty.
Deputy public prosecutor Ahmad Sazilee Abdul Khairi when prosecuting asked the court to use the RM2 million existing bail that was granted to Zahid during the previous charges.
Counsel Hamidi Mohd Noh, who represent the accused, did not object to the application.
Sazilee, when met after the proceeding, said the prosecution has handed over two sets of documents to the defence team as required under Section 51A of the Criminal Procedure Code.
The court fixed Feb 28 for hearing.
On Oct 19, the former deputy prime minister claimed trial to 45 charges of CBT, graft and money laundering involving over RM72 million.
The graft charges were for receiving gratification as inducement to help certain companies obtain contracts from the Home Ministry, of which Zahid used to be Home Minister.
The CBT charges were for misusing money belonging to Yayasan Akalbudi, in his capacity as holding trust in the foundation.
The money laundering offences involved alleged deposits of unlawful proceeds into a bank account and buying of two bungalows in Kajang, Selangor.
The CBT and graft charges involved a total RM42,083,132.99, while the money laundering charges involved a total RM72,063,618.15.
On Dec 14, Zahid was slapped again with additional CBT charge involving RM10 million belonging to Yayasan Akalbudi for allegedly providing a loan to Armada Holdings Sdn Bhd on Dec 8, 2015.