PUTRAJAYA: Deputy Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has regained his passport permanently and he can now travel abroad at any time he likes.
The Court of Appeal today returned to him his international passport that had been seized for almost five years following the prosecution of him on charges of corruption, breach of trust and money laundering of Akalbudi Foundation funds since 2018.
A Court of Appeal ruling today allowed his review application to obtain his passport permanently.
Zahid filed the review application after the High Court dismissed his application last month.
A three-member panel, led by Judge Datuk Hanipah Farikullah, allowed the application after being satisfied that the court had jurisdiction to hear the matter, according to report.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Abdul Malik Ayob, who appeared for the prosecution, said he was instructed not to object to the application.
Previously, Ahmad Zahid said in his review application that his international passport, which was being held, was a constraint for him to carry out his official duties as Deputy Prime Minister and Cabinet minister.
“As an individual who holds one of the highest positions in the country, it is seen as impractical and complicated for me to apply to the court every time I want to do an assignment abroad.
“Therefore, it is appropriate for the Court of Appeal to consider that the approval of the application will bring good and continuity to the national administration, which is the responsibility of every individual Malaysian,” he said.
Zahid, 70, is facing 47 charges, including 12 for criminal breach of trust, eight for corruption and 27 for money laundering, involving RM31 million of Yayasan Akalbudi funds.
