ZCZC
BFF-22
MALAYSIA-CORRUPTION
Najib’s former deputy hit with new graft charges in Malaysia
KUALA LUMPUR, June 26, 2019 (BSS/AFP) – Malaysia’s former deputy premier
under scandal-plagued ex-leader Najib Razak was hit with seven fresh
corruption charges Wednesday for allegedly receiving about $3 million in
bribes.
Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, now an opposition leader who was a key figure in the
former regime, has now been charged with a total of 54 counts of corruption
since his long-ruling coalition lost power last year.
The latest charges relate to allegations that he received Sg$4.2 million
($3.1 million) in 2017 and 2018 from a company in exchange for extending
their contract to issue visas.
Ahmad Zahid pleaded not guilty to all counts during a court appearance in
Kuala Lumpur and was freed on bail. If found guilty, the 66-year-old faces a
lengthy jail term.
He has denied all previous charges levelled at him.
He is also set to face a further 33 charges in court Thursday for
allegedly receiving $10 million in kickbacks, according to the anti-graft
agency.
The veteran politician is president of the United Malays National
Organisation (UMNO), the lynchpin in a coalition of parties that ruled
Malaysia from independence in 1957 until their shock defeat in May polls.
But he has been placed on leave since he was first charged in October.
Najib has also been arrested and charged over allegations he oversaw the
plundering of state fund 1MDB, a scandal that played a major part in the
election defeat.
He has been on trial over the allegations since April.
US authorities say more than $4.5 billion was misappropriated from the
fund and spent on everything from yachts to artwork.
BSS/AFP/FI/1201 hrs