KUALA LUMPUR (June 26): Newly-appointed Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief commissioner Latheefa Koya said Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi is facing approximately 40 new charges involving a total of RM47 million in relation to the foreign visa system case.

Describing the allegations as serious offences involving an individual who had formerly served as a government official and deputy prime minister, Latheefa said Ahmad Zahid will face 33 more charges in Shah Alam tomorrow, in addition to the seven charges that were filed today.

"I understand the total sum involves RM47 million and that he [is] facing about 40 charges here in KL and [another 33] in Shah Alam tomorrow.

"This is not a normal corruption case as this involves a former leader [of the Cabinet] when it happened. The sum involved is very big and hence it gives an impact to public interests as it involves millions of ringgit," she told reporters here today.

Latheefa said she and other senior MACC officers came to observe the politician being charged.

She declined to comment on what impact the case may have on the alleged company Ultra Kirana Sdn Bhd, which gave the bribe to the former deputy prime minister.

"Let us leave it to the government on whether to take action on the company. For the time being, we need to prove that this case actually happened," she said, adding that the case is not related to the issuance of visas, but the amount of corruption involved.

Today, Ahmad Zahid claimed trial to seven counts of receiving a total bribe of S$4.24 million to extend the contract of Ultra Kirana, which operates a one-stop centre in China and foreign visa system.

Ahmad Zahid will face 33 more charges tomorrow in Shah Alam.

https://www.theedgemarkets.com/article/latheefa-zahids-alleged-offences-involving-rm47m-very-serious