Malaysia: Zahid’s trial postponed again

• Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi’s criminal breach of trust (CBT) and money laundering trial has been postponed as he came in close contact with fellow Supreme Council member Datuk Johan Abdul Aziz, who is now confirmed positive for Covid-19.
• Zahid was with Johan and other Umno Supreme Council members at a party retreat in Janda Baik.
• Lawyer Hamidi Mohd Noh informed the court that his client had chaired two meetings, one at 3pm on 19 Feb 21 and a second one at 8pm that same night where Johan was present.
• High Court Justice Collin Lawrence Sequerah set replacement dates in Mar 21 but reprimanded the former deputy prime minister and Umno president. The judge also asked him to take the trial seriously and not go for unnecessary meetings a week before the trial.
• “This is the third time that this trial has been postponed,” the judge highlighted in the court this morning. The judge listed the Sabah state election as the first time, then in Jan 21, and now on 22 Feb 21 as the third time the trial has been postponed.
• Deputy Public Prosecutor (DPP) Datuk Raja Rozela Raja Toran wants the defence to provide evidence as to Zahid and Johan’s attendance, and also approval for cross-border travel during the movement control order (MCO) period.
• Raja Rozela said Ahmad Zahid is being nonchalant in treating this trial as not being important.
• “Is he using this excuse just to get away from this courtroom? We can’t keep postponing date after date,” she added.

External Link : https://www.theedgemarkets.com/article/zahids-trial-postponed-again-he-had-close-contact-covid19-positive-patient