Did Mahathir threaten Zahid with charges over Umno dissolution?

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Mahathir Denies Threatening Zahid with Criminal Charges Over Umno Dissolution

Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has refuted claims that he threatened Umno President Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi with criminal charges if he did not dissolve the party. Dr Mahathir stated that his interaction with Zahid involved advising the dissolution of Umno following the party's defeat in the 14th general election in 2018, and he expressed a willingness to serve as a witness in Zahid's trial to clarify the matter.
Advice to Dissolve Umno

Following Umno's significant loss in the 2018 general election, Ahmad Zahid approached Dr Mahathir. At this juncture, Dr Mahathir advised Zahid to dissolve Umno, citing that the party could not be revived. This advice was given as several Umno members, including Hamzah Zainudin, had reportedly left the party to join Bersatu.
Denial of Threat Over Misappropriation Charges

Dr Mahathir explicitly denied threatening to charge Zahid with misappropriation of funds from Yayasan Akalbudi. He explained that at the time of their discussions, he lacked detailed knowledge of Zahid's alleged misdeeds. Dr Mahathir indicated that the then attorney-general, Tan Sri Tommy Thomas, would have been the one investigating such matters.
Role of the Attorney-General

Regarding Zahid's legal situation, Dr Mahathir believes that the attorney-general was responsible for preferring charges, a decision that does not require the Prime Minister's input. Dr Mahathir also mentioned that Zahid had presented a file to him, purportedly to prove his innocence, but Dr Mahathir, lacking authority, advised Zahid to present it to the judge instead.
Uncalled Witness

Dr Mahathir expressed a desire to have been called as a witness during Zahid's trial to verify the allegations made. However, he was not summoned. Subsequently, the attorney-general offered Zahid a discharge not amounting to an acquittal (DNAA) from the 47 charges related to Yayasan Akalbudi on September 4.

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Did Mahathir threaten Zahid with charges over Umno dissolution?

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