UMNO president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi wants his name cleared in court amid claims he has struck a deal for corruption cases against his partymen be dropped in exchange for support for Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin.

He said his criminal trial involving millions of ringgit of Yayasan Akalbudi funds is postponed for today and not been dropped like the other cases.

He did not say what the other cases were.

“Insya-Allah I will clear my name in court without the case being dropped.

“I want the court to give a verdict even though this case is political and selective prosecution,” he said in a statement today.

Zahid’s statement comes after his trial was vacated today to allow him to meet the newly sworn-in prime minister.

His counsel Hisyam Teh Poh Teik informed the Kuala Lumpur High Court that Zahid’s presence was required for the formation of a new cabinet in Muhyiddin’s administration.

“The accused person needs to be in touch with the prime minister. His presence is required,” said Hisyam without elaborating further.

Deputy public prosecutor Rozela Raja Toran did not object. Presiding judge Collin Lawrence Sequerah has set the trial to resume tomorrow.

Zahid, 67, is accused of receiving bribes for approving passport chip supply contracts to several private firms. He faces 47 criminal charges, including 27 counts of money-laundering.

Muhyiddin, who is also Bersatu president, was installed as the eighth prime minister yesterday after forming an alliance with Umno, PAS and a breakaway PKR faction led by its former deputy president, Mohamed Azmin Ali. – March 2, 2020.