KUALA LUMPUR – Former Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin has labelled Malaysia as “a rogue state”, following the contentious decision by the attorney-general (AG) to withdraw all 47 criminal charges against Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
On Facebook, Yassin criticised the AG’s use of powers under Article 145(3) of the federal constitution, calling the move “immoral.”
“This is very unreasonable. Does this mean that the prosecution admits that the evidence presented by them in court cannot be used? Or there is an order from the superiors that this case must be dropped no matter what?”
Justice Datuk Collin Lawrence Sequerah yesterday granted Zahid a discharge not amounting to acquittal on all 47 of his criminal breach of trust, corruption, and money laundering charges in relation to funds belonging to the latter’s foundation Yayasan Akalbudi, after the prosecution decided to halt proceedings on the grounds that it intends to conduct a more in-depth investigation into the case.
This has garnered fierce backlash from political parties, legal personalities, civil society, and members of the public.
Muhyiddin said the case against Zahid had made significant progress, with the prosecution successfully establishing a prima facie case, backed by documentary evidence and 99 witnesses.
“What is strange is that the prosecution, which has succeeded in proving a prima facie case, is asking the court to drop the charges.”
Muhyiddin also voiced concerns about the implications of this decision and questioned whether there might have been an order from higher authorities to abandon the case at any cost.
The Pagoh MP did not mince words when he placed blame squarely on Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim accusing him of a relentless pursuit of power.
“If it is true that there is such an order, dropping the charges against Zahid after he was ordered to defend himself in court is a very dark black spot in the justice system in our country.”
“The prime minister must take full responsibility for the damage that is happening in the country’s justice system which I believe stems from his own greed to retain power,” Muhyiddin said.
“It proves his real hypocrisy. The slogan of institutional reform and governance he often shouts is just a lie and empty talk.”
Muhyiddin said the fallout from this decision has not been limited to Malaysia’s domestic arena, as it has alarmed the global business community.
“The decision to drop the charges against the deputy prime minister certainly shook investors’ confidence in the justice system in Malaysia.”
The former prime minister did not mince words when he placed blame squarely on the current prime minister, accusing him of a relentless pursuit of power at any cost. – September 5, 2023