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Former Malaysian deputy PM charged with graft, money laundering

Xinhua | Updated: 2018-10-19 14:33
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Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Zahid Hamidi seen leaving the solidarity rally, file photo. [Photo/VCG]

KUALA LUMPUR - Former Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi was hit with more than 40 charges including corruption, criminal breach of trust and money laundering on Friday.

Zahid was charged with receiving graft from companies and individuals related to government e-service provider MyEG and other government outsourcing projects.

Prosecutors also charged him with criminal breach of trust related to a charitable foundation operated by his family, the funds of which were allegedly misappropriated.

In all he faces 45 charges including 10 counts of criminal breach of trust, eight counts of receiving graft, and 27 for money laundering, involving 114 million ringgit (27 million U.S. dollars).

Zahid pleaded not guilty to all charges at a Kuala Lumpur court and was granted bail.

The 65-year-old Zahid, who now serve as opposition leader, replaced former Prime Minister Najib Razak as president of the former ruling United Malay National Organization (UMNO) after the latter stepped down following the party's defeat during the general election in May.

Hundreds of his supporters gathered outside the court on Friday to protest what they said were politically motivated charges while police in riot gear monitored the crowd.

Zahid is the latest former high-ranking official and UMNO leader to be arrested over suspected graft since the election.

Najib, who was present at the court on Friday to support Zahid, faced multiple charges in connection with state investment fund 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB). Najib's wife Rosmah Mansor were also charged.

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