'I was 'stripped naked', shamed, humiliated' – Zahid

SHAH ALAM - Umno President Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi claims he has been 'stripped naked', shamed and humiliated by earlier corruption claims although he was acquitted at the Shah Alam High Court, here, today.

Zahid was relieved even though he had been ‘punished’ by the court of public opinions prior to the sentencing, the law had proved otherwise.

"I was humiliated, shamed and ‘stripped naked’ with all the baseless accusations and the truth was proven in the end.

"The charges against me was a test, I am confident I have never committed such offences.

"It turns out the thorough and detailed judgment by the judge was fair, I am thankful for this decision," he said at a press conference at the Shah Alam High Court’s compound here, on Friday.

He said the decision was a victory for Umno and BN's fight.

"The decision would show the law had been upheld for the truth and I would like to thank my legal team who was very professional and excellent, led by Datuk Hisyam Teh Poh Teik.

"I would also want to thank my family, wife, kids, friends and the entirety of Umno who gave their support to me," he said.

Zahid expressed his appreciation towards the media practitioners who covered this case since its initial stage.

"I would like to thank the reporters for the balanced and professional reports and I hope it can be further balanced," he said.

On Friday, Zahid was acquitted and discharged by the High Court for the 40 charges of receiving bribes relating to the Foreign Visa System (VLN).

Judge Datuk Mohd Yazid Mustafa ruled it after finding the prosecution failed to prove a prima facie case at the end of the prosecution against the former deputy prime minister.

The Umno President who was clad in a white Baju Melayu was seen to be content after hearing the decision.

After the decision, the public who attended the hearing at the public gallery stood up and applauded before being asked by the judge to stop.