FORMER deputy prime minister Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has withdrawn an application to obtain witnesses’ recorded statements from the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission in the case involving Yayasan Akalbudi funds.

On May 9, Justice Collin Lawrence Sequerah had ruled that the documents were privileged and should not be shared with the defence as sharing the recorded statements is against public policy, since it may lead to tampering of witnesses.

The learned judge had said section 124 of the Evidence Act 1950 stipulates that no public officer shall be compelled to disclose communications of recorded statements made under official confidence.

Zahid had later filed an appeal over the decision at the High Court.

The notice of the appeal was filed at the Court of Appeal yesterday.

Meanwhile, based on the court tracking system, the hearing that was scheduled on November 14, has since been vacated.

Zahid’s case hearing will resume on January 16, next year. The defence has called up six witnesses, including the Bagan Datuk incumbent.

Zahid, 69, faces 47 corruption charges in relation to Yayasan Akalbudi, a foundation he leads. From the total, 12 are criminal breach of trust charges, eight for graft, and 27 for money-laundering. – Bernama, November 12, 2022.