MUDA unbowed by Zahid's intimidation tactics; demand DPM be reindicted for 47 graft charges
In an almost Churchillian declaration of defiance, MUDA has responded to a legal suit slapped on its secretary-general Ainie Haziqah Shafiee by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Zahid Hamidi.
Zahid who is also UMNO president has previously sent a notice of claim to Ainie asking for an apology and damages. Media reports states that the notice was sent following Ainie's speech which criticised Zahid's prior corruption charges during the recent Turun Anwar rally.
'This is an action of a coward and a hyporcrite,' declared MUDA's acting president Amira Aisya Abdul Aziz in a media conference at the Lawyers For Liberty (LFL) headquarters in Petaling Jaya yesterday (Aug 18).
Arguing that this was an act of 'political intimidation', the Johor State Assembly member asked why the party's secretary-general was singled out when many others had voiced concerns of Zahid's perceived escape with a DNAA (dismissal not amounting to an acquittal) for his 47 graft charges.
In the no-holds barred media session, Amira slammed the Pakatan Harapan (PH) coalition for failing to uphold its electoral promises.
'In every campaign video and ceramah during GE15 (15th General Election), Zahid was labelled as 'corrupt' but they now stand shoulder to shoulder, laughing, hugging and making official visits to each other's governmental departments,' she pointed out, quite unable to hide her contempt.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim was also not spared as his anti-graft campaign was belittled as a mere sham.
A clip of the media conference was shared on social activist and lawyer Siti Kasim's Facebook page with a one-worded message: 'SOKONG!! ' (Support).
The originally TikTok video has been viewed 9.2K times with many commenters in full agreement while one openly declaring that 'nobody is above the law'.
One commenter cast aspersions on enforcement agencies, in particular the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), insinuating unseen hands pulling levers to deceive the rakyat.
Another commenter highlighted the seeming 'favouritism' within the current regime, insinuating selective persecution.
A few concerned observers also pointed to the Sword of Damocles that hangs over Zahid's head. It is hard to imagine any other country where such a scenario could exist, they pointed out.
However, one commenter did ask the pertinent question – why was MUDA silent when now incarcerated former premier Datuk Seri Najib Razak was getting away with his 1MDB corruption scandal?
Another quickly clarified that the former 10-term Pekan MP's 1MDB-related case is still in progress. Furthermore, MUDA has been slapped with a suit by Zahid instead of Najib.
Another wondered if other DNAA cases should be re-opened, notably that of now Sabah governor Tun Musa Aman.
All said and done, it remains to be seen if MUDA has the political clout for to get the corruption case against the DPM reinstated. What is clear though that there is enough public support, judging from comments made on social media. – Aug 19, 2025
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