Politics

Zahid should be relieved of his duties pending court case, says Faizal Azumu

KUALA LUMPUR: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi should be relieved of his duties pending his court case, said a Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) leader.

Bersatu deputy president Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu in a statement said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim should insist that Ahmad Zahid goes on leave to focus on his trial involving 47 corruption charges he was facing and proving his innocence.

He said this was to also ensure that the trial of the Yayasan Akalbudi case is completed without delay or interference.

This, he said, was following an application filed by Ahmad Zahid to the court for his passport to be returned, even though the document had previously been surrendered as part of his bail conditions for his ongoing corruption, breach of trust and money laundering trial.

"In his application, Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid claimed that he had been given a mandate by Anwar to represent him in a number of administration matters, in addition to his deputy duties which required him to travel within the country and abroad.

"Application citing national interest seems to be imposing pressure to the court and judges and will disrupt the trial process," he warned.

Faizal said even though it was the judge's absolute discretion whether or not to return the passport, the duties held by Ahmad Zahid currently, would have an impact on the judiciary decision.

"The return of the passport will certainly cause more delays in the trial process and a disruption to democracy.

"It is also an insult to the majority of voters in the 15th general election, who voted for a clean, transparent and high integrity government," he said.

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