By TMR / Pic By HUSSEIN SHAHARUDDIN

Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi was quizzed by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) for about eight hours yesterday and he is expected to be called for more interrogation sessions in the near future.

The former deputy prime minister (DPM) arrived at the MACC headquarters in Putrajaya at 9.20am and left the premises at about 5.40pm. This is the third time the Umno president has been grilled by the graft buster, believed to be related to transactions involving his family’s foundation.

According to Bernama, Zahid, when questioned by reporters at the MACC headquarters, said: “I have to come again.”

MACC deputy commissioner (operations) Datuk Azam Baki yesterday confirmed that Ahmad Zahid has been called again today (Oct 11), according to the Bernama report.

Speculation about his impending arrest has triggered wider attention by local and foreign journalists.

Former PM Datuk Seri Mohd Najib Razak is already facing criminal breach of trust, corruption, money laundering and abuse of power charges. Malaysia’s former First Lady Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor has also been charged for money laundering.

Both Najib and Rosmah pleaded not guilty of all the charges and had vowed to prove their innocence.

A few former Umno leaders have also been called to assist investigations into various claims of corrupt practices in the last few months. But Ahmad Zahid is one of the more high-profile individuals in the MACC’s investigation. However, he has not been charged with any wrongdoing.

Meanwhile, Bernama reported that Ahmad Zahid’s daughter Datuk Nurulhidayah was seen at the MACC headquarters yesterday.

Ahmad Zahid had also requested his supporters to remain calm following the request to be at the MACC on Wednesday. He had asked his supporters to avoid gathering in front of the headquarters.

“Personally, I request that no gathering be held on Wednesday morning in front of the 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 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. — TMR