AHMAD Zahid Hamidi’s corruption case involving Yayasan Akalbudi funds was suspended today as the accused is currently hospitalised for a back injury after suffering a fall.

The trial of the former deputy prime minister involving millions of ringgit of Yayasan Akalbudi funds was put on hold as the accused is currently hospitalised for a back injury after suffering a fall.

Lawyer Hisyam Teh Poh Teik informed the Kuala Lumpur High Court judge Collin Lawrence Sequerah that the Umno president is not fit to attend the trial due to pain.

He said that Zahid suffered a fall last week and had been admitted to a private hospital in Shah Alam on Sunday.

“We have a letter dated August 23, 2021 explaining to Your Lordship the circumstances of the accused not being present.

“In the said letter, the doctor had said he sustained a fall on August 18 around 5pm and the injuries sustained as a result of the fall.

“He is not fit to attend court proceedings due to severe back pain. He is unable to sit for a long time,” he told the court.

Hisyam told the court Zahid was scheduled to undergo a medical procedure this morning to relieve the pain.

He said the defence was willing to proceed with the hearing if necessary.

Deputy public prosecutor Raja Rozela Raja Toran said the prosecution was willing to continue but would not wish to be seen as denying the accused of his right to a fair trial.

“However, my concern is that the letter does not say whether the accused agreed to have the case proceed in his absence,” said Raja Rozela.

Sequerah has yet to make a decision.

The high court is scheduled to hear submissions at the end of prosecution today and on September 6-9.

The former deputy prime minister and home minister, when Najib Razak led the administration, faces 47 charges – 12 for criminal breach of trust (CBT), corruption (eight) and money laundering (27) – involving tens of millions of ringgit belonging to the foundation.

If convicted, the Bagan Datuk MP is liable to a jail term of up to 20 years and a fine of not less than five times the bribe amount or RM10,000, whichever is higher. – August 24, 2021.