Malaysia’s AGC takes “No Further Action” against DPM Zahid over all 47 charges in charity graft case

 KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA: The Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC) announced on 8 January 2026 that it has decided to take “No Further Action” (NFA) against Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi in relation to the Yayasan Akalbudi case.

The decision brings to an end proceedings involving 47 charges, for which Zahid was granted a Discharge Not Amounting to Acquittal (DNAA) by the High Court in 2023.

In a two-page statement, the AGC said the existing evidence was insufficient to justify continuing the prosecution.

“This Chambers decided that ‘No Further Action’ will be taken regarding that case,” the statement said.

It added that the decision brings the matter to a final conclusion, in line with the Attorney General’s constitutional powers and discretion.

A DNAA allows the prosecution to revive charges in the future if new evidence emerges.

However, the AGC’s NFA decision means the case is now closed.

According to the AGC, the decision was made after weighing professional and legal considerations.

These included the interests of justice, the integrity of the prosecutorial process, and the need for certainty and transparency within the criminal justice system.

Zahid had faced 47 charges involving criminal breach of trust, bribery, and money laundering.

The allegations centred on the handling of funds belonging to Yayasan Akalbudi, a charitable foundation linked to him.

Zahid granted DNAA in 2023 in charity foundation graft case

On 4 September 2023, the High Court in Kuala Lumpur granted Zahid a DNAA after the prosecution applied to discontinue the trial.

At the time, prosecutors cited 11 reasons for seeking the DNAA, including the need for more comprehensive and complete investigations.

In its 8 January 2026 statement, the AGC said the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) conducted further and detailed investigations following the DNAA.

These investigations examined the source of the funds, how they were obtained and used, and matters raised in six representations submitted to the AGC.

The representations were made after Zahid was called to enter his defence in 2022.

“After examining all the materials and new evidence obtained as a result of that further investigation and scrutiny, this Chambers finds that the existing evidence is not sufficient to support the continuation of the prosecution,” the AGC said.

AGC cites investigative scope and evidence review in closing Zahid case

The AGC outlined four key considerations underpinning its conclusion.

These included the scope and focus of investigations at the early stages, and internal prosecutorial evaluations on the strength and viability of the case.

It also cited the MACC’s subsequent investigations, which aimed to refine the overall factual picture.

The findings covered the full period of Yayasan Akalbudi’s establishment and operations, including the flow and contribution of funds over time.

With the NFA decision, Zahid now has no remaining criminal cases.

This follows his acquittal in a separate corruption trial involving 40 charges linked to the foreign visa system, commonly referred to as the VLN case.

On 23 September 2022, the High Court acquitted Zahid of all 40 VLN charges.

The AGC later withdrew its appeal on 12 December 2024, citing gaps in the evidence.

That withdrawal confirmed Zahid’s acquittal and ended the VLN proceedings.

The AGC has previously defended its handling of the Yayasan Akalbudi case.

On 5 September 2023, it justified its application for a DNAA amid widespread criticism.

On 22 December 2025, it also responded to reports on a judicial review application challenging the DNAA.

The AGC said then that its decision was grounded in the law and the circumstances at the time, including the need for further investigations.

Lawyers, politicians and civil society question decision despite earlier prima facie ruling

Following the NFA announcement, lawyers and politicians questioned the rationale behind the decision.

Bukit Gelugor MP and lawyer Ramkarpal Singh criticised the AGC, noting that the High Court had earlier found a prima facie case against Zahid.

In January 2022, the High Court ordered Zahid to enter his defence after ruling that the prosecution had established such a case.

A prima facie finding indicates that sufficient evidence has been presented which could lead to a conviction if not rebutted.

Ramkarpal said those findings were based on evidence that Zahid was legally obliged to answer.

He argued that this obligation remained until the prosecution applied for a DNAA in September 2023.

Civil society group Coalition for Clean and Fair Election (BERSIH) had also raised concerns in 2023.

BERSIH described the DNAA as unacceptable, particularly given the prima facie finding.

The group called on prosecutors to review the case, reassess the evidence, and recharge Zahid if necessary.

The case unfolded against a complex political backdrop.

After Barisan Nasional’s poor showing in the 15th General Election, Zahid faced mounting pressure as coalition chairman.

Barisan Nasional secured only 30 seats, marking its worst electoral performance.

Following a hung parliament, Anwar Ibrahim was appointed Prime Minister.

On 16 December 2022, leaders from UMNO, Pakatan Harapan, and Sabah and Sarawak parties signed a memorandum of understanding supporting a Unity Government.