Kuala Lumpur, Jan 8: Malaysia’s Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) has closed its case against Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, saying there is insufficient evidence to proceed, a move that ends years of legal uncertainty surrounding the Umno leader.
In a statement on Wednesday, the AGC said it would take no further action, exercising its constitutional discretion under the Federal Constitution and related laws. The decision formally concludes proceedings that had drawn intense political scrutiny.
Zahid, who heads Umno — a core component of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s unity government — had been facing charges linked to alleged money laundering, criminal breach of trust and corruption involving a family-run foundation. In 2023, he was granted a discharge not amounting to an acquittal (DNAA), leaving open the possibility that the same 47 charges could be reinstated at a later date.
The closure comes days before Umno begins its four-day annual general assembly on Jan 14, where party delegates are expected to debate the party’s future in the ruling coalition. Zahid has said Umno will continue backing the government until the next general election, pushing back against internal calls to break ranks.
Prime Minister Anwar has repeatedly denied any involvement in Zahid’s legal case, amid opposition claims questioning the timing of the decision.
Political observers say the AGC’s move removes a major source of tension within the unity government, but the issue is likely to resurface during Umno’s assembly, where leadership and coalition strategy are set to dominate discussions.
