DEPUTY Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi is applying to the court to have his 47 charges over misappropriating funds from his foundation Yayasan Akalbudi dropped.

His lawyer Hamidi Mohd Noh said this during proceedings before Kuala Lumpur High Court judge Collin Lawrence Sequerah this morning.

Hamidi said the defence had submitted a representation to the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC), citing new evidence in the case.

He added that the 200-page representation letter was sent to Attorney-General Idrus Harun earlier this year.

He then urged Justice Sequerah to adjourn proceedings pending a decision on the representation.

Deputy public prosecutor Abdul Malik Ayob confirmed that the AGC had received the letter.

He said the prosecution was ordered not to object on the defence’s application to adjourn the case.

The court allowed the adjournment and fixed August 1 for mention.

The Umno president, 69, is facing 47 charges, including 12 for criminal breach of trust (CBT), eight for corruption and 27 for money-laundering involving RM31 million in foundation funds.

For the 12 CBT charges, Zahid was accused of using funds to make payments for personal credit cards, insurance policies and licences for his personal vehicles, remittances to a law firm and contributions to the police football association.

The offence carries a maximum 20 years’ jail, whipping and a fine. – April 10, 2023.