DEPUTY Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi is set to oppose the Malaysian Bar’s application seeking court permission to initiate a judicial review of the AG’s decision to halt proceedings against him on September 4.

His lawyer, Guok Ngek Seong, said they would file an affidavit and argument to contest the application before January 11, 2024.

“The hearing for the Malaysian Bar’s application to obtain permission from the court to initiate the judicial review is set for January 11, 2024, before Judge Amarjeet Singh.

“Whether the AG will also object to the judicial review application will be known during the hearing proceedings of the application,” he said when contacted today.

On September 4, the Kuala Lumpur High Court granted Zahid a discharge not amounting to an acquittal (DNAA) for 47 charges related to criminal breach of trust, corruption, and money laundering involving Yayasan Akalbudi funds, after the prosecution informed that the AGC wanted to halt the proceedings against Zahid to scrutinise new evidence.

The Malaysian Bar Association, in an application filed on December 2, named the AG and Zahid as respondents.

The association is seeking an order annulling the decision and a declaration that it is null and void, asserting that it exceeded the jurisdiction and authority granted to the AG.

The Malaysian Bar is also requesting a mandamus order instructing the AG to act by the law, including prosecuting Zahid again if deemed appropriate, as per section 254A of the Criminal Procedure Code.

It also seeks an order compelling the AG to provide information and documentation justifying the decision to apply for a DNAA against Zahid.

The Malaysian Bar contends that the AG acted beyond its jurisdiction and that the decision was unreasonable and irrational. – Bernama, December 26, 2023