SHAH ALAM (July 26): The corruption trial of former deputy prime minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi over the award of a foreign visa system contract has been postponed as the prosecution witness has Covid-19.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Datuk Raja Rozela Raja Toran informed the court that a Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission investigating officer (IO) was set to testify. However, they were only informed late on Monday night (July 25) that the officer had tested positive for Covid-19.
"We were told late last night. Therefore, we can't call him today (Tuesday)," she said, requesting for the matter to be adjourned until Friday, depending on the IO's health status.
The IO is the prosecution's 18th witness.
In the trial, Ahmad Zahid is facing 33 charges of receiving bribes amounting to about S$13.56 million from Ultra Kirana for, among others, the extension of the contract involving the company's foreign visa system and one-stop centre services in China.
For the remaining seven charges, Ahmad Zahid, in his capacity as the then home minister, is alleged to have obtained for himself bribes denominated in different currencies comprising S$1.15 million, RM3 million, €15,000, and US$15,000 from Ultra Kirana.
The trial is before High Court Judge Datuk Mohd Yazid Mustafa.