Latheefa Koya Is Shocked At Zahid S Acquittal

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LAWYER Latheefa Koya criticised the public prosecutor’s decision to withdraw its appeal against the acquittal of Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi in a case involving 40 charges linked to Malaysia’s foreign visa system (VLN) contract.
She described it as a significant setback in Malaysia’s fight against corruption, undermining the rule of law and public trust.
Latheefa, who led the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission investigation into Zahid, stated that the case was built on thorough and comprehensive evidence, contradicting claims by the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) that there were strong legal grounds to withdraw the appeal.
“Every angle was looked into. The investigation was painstakingly thorough and comprehensive. I had no hesitation in making the recommendation,” she said in a statement.
“I am shocked by the claim of the AG’s representative in the court of appeal that there was ‘strong legal or factual basis’ to withdraw the appeal. This runs starkly contrary to my knowledge of the matter, and I am in a position to know.”
Highlighting Article 8 of the Federal Constitution, she stressed that all individuals, regardless of rank, must be treated equally under the law. She also expressed concern about earlier withdrawals of 47 corruption charges against Zahid in the Akalbudi Foundation case, questioning whether ordinary citizens would receive similar treatment.
Latheefa urged Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and government leaders to address public concerns, noting that Zahid is a key political ally of the prime minister and all corruption cases against him have now been dropped.
Moreover, Zahid had previously been accused of receiving RM42mil in bribes to maintain VLN-related contracts.
AGC deputy head of appellate and trial division Datuk Yusaini Amer Abdul Karim told a three-judge panel last Thursday (Dec 12) that “there is a strong legal and factual basis to maintain the High Court’s ruling”, based on two representations made by Zahid on Jan 26, 2023 and Feb 7 this year. — Focus Malaysia

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