THE trial of Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi on 40 corruption charges in connection with the Foreign Visa System (VLN) scheduled at the High Court in Shah Alam today has been postponed to June 15.

Deputy public prosecutor Raja Rozela Raja Toran said the postponement was made following the two-week total lockdown implemented nationwide starting today.

“When the trial resumes on June 15, former principal assistant secretary at the Immigration Affairs Division of the Home Ministry Siti Jalillah Abd Manap (third prosecution witness) will be recalled to testify, together with a new witness,” she told reporters.

The trial was initially scheduled to proceed for three days this week.

So far, two prosecution witnesses had testified before judge Mohd Yazid Mustafa.

Zahid is charged with 33 counts of receiving S$13. 6 million (RM42.4 million) in bribes from Ultra Kirana Sdn Bhd, while he was home minister, to extend the company’s contract to operate a one-stop centre service in China and the VLN system, as well as to maintain the contract to supply the VLN integrated system paraphernalia to the same company by the Home Ministry.

The prosecution alleges he committed the offences at Seri Satria, Precinct 16, Putrajaya, and in Country Heights, Kajang, between October 2014 and March 2018.

The charges are framed under Section 16 (a)(B) of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Act 2009.

Zahid faces up to 20 years in prison and a fine not less than five times of the value of the gratification or RM10,000 whichever is higher upon conviction.

On seven other charges, Zahid was charged for accepting S$1.15 million, RM3 million €15,000 (RM75,700) and US$15,000 (RM61,900) without consideration from the same company, which he knew had a connection with his function.

He was charged with committing the offences at a house in Country Heights, between June 2015 and October 2017.

The charges were framed under Section 165 of the Penal Code and carry a maximum prison term of two years or fine or both if found guilty. – Bernama, June 1, 2021.