KUALA LUMPUR — Former Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief commissioner Latheefa Koya said the agency’s investigations into Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi that led to 40 graft charges against him in the foreign visa system (VLN) case were watertight, and should have proceeded to full trial.
In a statement, she expressed shock at Zahid’s acquittal in the Court of Appeal two days ago, after the public prosecutor said the Attorney-General’s Chambers had found no evidence that the deputy prime minister and former home minister had abused his power to award contracts.
“I am privy to the facts in this case. The primary investigating body in this case was the MACC, and I was the Chief Commissioner of the MACC at the time Zahid was charged in court for these offences.
“I made the decision to recommend to the AG that Zahid be charged based upon the MACC investigation papers and discussions with my officers. Every angle was looked into.
“The investigation was painstakingly thorough and comprehensive. I had no hesitation in making the recommendation,” said Latheefa, who was MACC chief commissioner from June 2019 to March 2020, and the first woman appointed to the post.
She said she did not usually comment on cases she had been involved in, but added, “this case attracts the highest considerations of national interest”.
Latheefa said Zahid’s acquittal “runs starkly contrary to my knowledge of the matter, and I am in a position to know”.
“Based upon the evidence and taking into account the judgment of the High Court, the law should have been permitted to run its course.
“It does not matter whether the accused is a deputy prime minister or an ordinary citizen. The law must apply equally to them,” she added.
In the VLN case, Zahid was initially charged in June 2019 with receiving bribes totalling SG$13.6 million (RM42 million) from Ultra Kirana Sdn Bhd between 2014 and 2018 in his capacity as home minister and deputy prime minister under the previous Barisan Nasional government.
He was also accused of receiving cash payments amounting to SG$1,150,000, RM3 million, 15,000 Swiss francs, and US$15,000 for his personal benefit from the same company, which he allegedly knew had links to his official position.
This was in relation to extending Ultra Kirana’s contract as the operator of the one-stop service centre (OSC) in China and the VLN as well as maintaining its contract with the Home Ministry to supply the integrated VLN system.
In the VLN case, Zahid was initially charged in June 2019 with receiving bribes totalling SG$13.6 million (RM42 million) from Ultra Kirana Sdn Bhd between 2014 and 2018 in his capacity as home minister and deputy prime minister under the previous Barisan Nasional government.
He was also accused of receiving cash payments amounting to SG$1,150,000, RM3 million, 15,000 Swiss francs, and US$15,000 for his personal benefit from the same company, which he allegedly knew had links to his official position.
This was in relation to extending Ultra Kirana’s contract as the operator of the one-stop service centre (OSC) in China and the VLN as well as maintaining its contract with the Home Ministry to supply the integrated VLN system.