UMNO president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has refused to ask for bail after he was arrested by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission this afternoon, the party’s Supreme Council member Lokman Nor Adam said.

Lokman said he was told by Zahid’s lawyer that they made the request to the MACC but before they had a chance to reply, the former deputy prime minister told his team not to proceed with the request.

“Zahid wants to follow the proper procedure and turned down the opportunity to leave on bail,” Lokman said.

“His lawyers told me through the Telegram messaging app that they requested Zahid be released on bail, assuring the MACC that he will turn up in court tomorrow.

“However, Zahid told his lawyers not to make this request as he would like to follow the standard procedure and will stay in lock-up (tonight).”

The Bagan Datuk MP will be charged under the MACC Act 2009 and the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001 at the Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court tomorrow.

He is being investigated over a family-run charitable foundation, Yayasan Akal Budi, which he chairs.

It was reported that he was investigated over claims that RM800,000 from the foundation was used to pay off his and his wife’s credit card bills.

A group of about 40 supporters had gathered outside the MACC building in Putrajaya this afternoon to show solidarity for the Umno president.

The crowd, which included his wife, Hamidah Khamis, and daughter, Nurulhidayah, are expected back tonight for a solidarity gathering to be held for Zahid. – October 18, 2018.