By P PREM KUMAR / Pic By TMR

Former Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi (picture) has requested his supporters to remain calm as he faces the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) for the third time tomorrow over alleged graft cases linked to him and 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB).

The current Umno president has been summoned to appear at MACC headquarters in Putrajaya on Wednesday — the third time Ahmad Zahid would be answering queries by the anti-graft agency on the alleged misappropriation of funds belonging to a foundation linked to the former.

Although the MACC has yet to confirm the summon at press time, Ahmad Zahid had confirmed his appointment with the graft-busters tomorrow, while calling his supporters to avoid gathering in front of the headquarters as a sign of protest.

“Personally, I request that no gathering be held on Wednesday morning in front of MACC headquarters. I am only providing a statement. I will extend full cooperation to the MACC,” he said in a Twitter posting.

Ahmad Zahid was responding to a message issued by Pemantau Malaysia Baru president and Umno Supreme Council member Datuk Lokman Noor Adam, which has been circulating among party members asking them to be present at MACC headquarters in a show of support for the former DPM.

In the message, Lokman said he would be wearing an orange T-shirt, similar to those worn by MACC detainees. However, Lokman said in a statement following Ahmad Zahid’s request that the planned gathering has been called off.

Lokman was instrumental in organising gatherings for the court proceedings of former PM Datuk Seri Mohd Najib Razak.

Various media reports have suggested that the gatherings to express support to Najib and his wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, however, have failed to gain traction lately.

Ahmad Zahid was previously questioned by the MACC on July 2 and July 3,  believed to be on two matters — the alleged use of funds from welfare foundation Yayasan Akal Budi to clear credit card debts and his previous claim to have met representatives of the Saudi royal family who purportedly channelled RM2.6 billion into Najib’s personal bank accounts.

Yayasan Akal Budi, which is chaired by Ahmad Zahid, was allegedly used to pay off credit cards belonging to him and his wife amounting to RM800,000.