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After five years of repeatedly delayed hearings on dozens of graft charges, Deputy Prime Minister Zahid Hamidi’s court trials have finally come to an end.
But the controversy over Monday’s court decision to discharge Datuk Seri Zahid continues. It was the state prosecutors who had applied to withdraw the case, raising fierce criticism and claims that Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s unity government had politically interfered in the proceedings because it involved Mr Zahid, chief of the Umno party which is a key government ally.
How this issue will impact the electorate will be quickly tested at two by-elections in Johor this weekend.
Political temperatures remain elevated since the state elections in August, with both government and opposition supporters calling for boycotts and other discriminatory practices against each other as well as against those from states governed by their rivals.
Follow ST’s coverage as we continue to bring you the latest developments and thank you for reading The Straits Times.
Turbulent ride ahead for Anwar after deputy Zahid walks away from 47 graft charges
Civil society, senior lawyers and politicians have called on the Malaysian government to explain the court’s move.
State polls are over, but partisan divide hardens in Malaysia
The acrimony between Pakatan Harapan and Perikatan Nasional spills over into the daily life of their supporters.
Malaysia launches new industrial master plan, set to crank up economic reforms
With state polls done, PM Anwar must focus on expanding economic growth.
Haze back in Penang and Sarawak; air quality unhealthy in several areas
Rapidly deteriorating air quality has been reported since the early hours of Monday morning.
MAS imposes lifetime ban on ex-Goldman Sachs banker Roger Ng over 1MDB money laundering
Ng was sentenced by a US court to 10 years in prison for his role in the 1MDB conspiracy.
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