Former Malaysian deputy prime minister charged on 45 counts
Ahmad Zahid Hamidi is the latest former high-ranking official to be charged with suspected graft in the country
Kuala Lumpur — Malaysian former deputy prime minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi was charged on Friday with 45 offences including money-laundering and graft amid a widening crackdown on corruption. Ahmad Zahid leads the opposition as president of the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO), the once-powerful party that ruled Malaysia for 60 years before being ousted in a shock general election defeat in May. He is the latest former high-ranking official to be charged with suspected graft since the unexpected election victory of a coalition led by Mahathir Mohamad. Ahmad Zahid was charged with 10 counts of criminal breach of trust and eight counts of abuse of power involving sums totaling 42-million ringgit ($10m), state news agency Bernama said. He was also charged with 27 counts of laundering about 72-million ringgit ($17.3 million). He pleaded not guilty to all charges, Bernama said. Ahmad Zahid, also the former home minister, was accused of using his position to receive bribes in exch...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.