Did Ahmad Zahid Hamidi feel happy receiving donations for Yayasan Akalbudi?

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Ahmad Zahid Hamidi Denies Feeling Happy or Grateful for Donations to Yayasan Akalbudi

Ahmad Zahid Hamidi stated that he did not feel happy or grateful for donations received by Yayasan Akalbudi, asserting that the donor should be the one feeling grateful for divine blessings. He clarified that the prosecution's insinuation of him feeling "happy" was understood as implying he was "trigger happy" to receive bribe money. Testifying as a defence witness in his trial, Ahmad Zahid maintained that Yayasan Akalbudi is designated for religious purposes and is not for his personal use.
Clarification on Emotional Response to Donations

During his testimony, Ahmad Zahid addressed the prosecution's suggestion that he should have felt "syukur dan gembira" (grateful and happy) regarding a substantial donation of RM13.25 million made via 24 cheques to Lewis & Co, the client account holding funds for Yayasan Akalbudi. He explained that his interpretation of "gembira" (happy) in this context implied he was eager to accept bribes. Ahmad Zahid countered this by stating, "So, I don’t feel happy and don’t feel grateful, because the person who should feel grateful is the donor as divine blessings will be obtained by that donor."
Nature and Purpose of Yayasan Akalbudi

Ahmad Zahid affirmed his previous testimony that Yayasan Akalbudi, despite receiving donations that could aid his charitable foundation, is not for his personal benefit. He reiterated that the foundation's purpose is for religious objectives, and the transaction of donations is a matter between the donor and Allah. The High Court judge, Datuk Collin Lawrence Sequerah, acknowledged this as a repetition of previously stated facts.
Donor's Intentions and Absence of Demands

Furthermore, Ahmad Zahid confirmed that the donor, Junaith Asharab Md Shariff, never requested any assistance in return for the donations made. When questioned by his lawyer about why he disagreed that Junaith had hoped for something in exchange, Ahmad Zahid firmly replied, "He himself never asked for any help to do business, never."
Conclusion of Defence Witness Testimony and Trial Progression

Ahmad Zahid concluded his testimony as a defence witness after spending 17 days on the stand. His legal team indicated plans to call 40 additional defence witnesses, a reduction from an initial figure of 43. The trial is scheduled to resume on September 19, with further proceedings planned throughout September, October, and November. Ahmad Zahid faces 47 charges, encompassing criminal breach of trust, money laundering, and bribery allegations connected to Yayasan Akalbudi funds and purported bribes amounting to RM21.25 million.

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Did Ahmad Zahid Hamidi feel happy receiving donations for Yayasan Akalbudi?

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