KUALA LUMPUR: It was quick, concise and no questions were taken.

       After yesterday’s decision by High Court judge Justice Collin Lawrence Sequerah, Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said very little to the waiting media that had camped outside the Kuala Lumpur courthouse since 7am.

       Flanked by his legal team and supporters, Ahmad Zahid addressed the media at around 10.40am.

       “This is the decision of the judge and we will comply. My lawyers and I will do what is required under the procedures set by the court.

       “My legal team will continue legal efforts as set by the High Court and a date has also been set,” he said.

       Asked when the defence proceedings would begin, Ahmad Zahid excused himself and hurried into his waiting white Toyota Vellfire.

       All queries from the media were ignored.

       Supporters of the Umno president had arrived as early as 7.30am.

       The crowd, mostly in white shirts, waited for his arrival outside the High Court while some gathered at a food court nearby.

       Umno deputy president Datuk Mohamad Hasan, secretary-general Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan and Johor Umno deputy chief Datuk Nur Jazlan Mohamed were also seen arriving shortly before Ahmad Zahid.

       Ahmad Zahid’s daughter, Datuk Nurulhidayah Zahid, who was there with her husband Datuk Saiful Nizam Mohd Yusoff, walked quickly into the court complex without addressing the media.

       At 9.04am, Ahmad Zahid arrived, and had a word with his supporters before walking into court.

       As proceedings inside the courtroom continued, supporters outside waited quietly.

       As information started coming out, confirming that he would need to enter his defence on 47 corruption charges involving millions of ringgit from his charity foundation Yayasan Akalbudi (YAB), many of the supporters started to leave.

       By the time Ahmad Zahid left the complex, only a handful were left shouting words of encouragement to him. He waved at them from his car as he left.