Malaysia's opposition leader and former deputy premier, Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, has been charged in 45 corruption cases worth 26 million US dollar. <br />''<br />''<br />''The charges are a new blow to his beleaguered party United Malays National Organisation, UMNO, which lost power in landmark elections this year.<br />''<br />''<br />''Ally of scandal-mired ex-leader Najib Razak, Hamidi is accused of crimes that include accepting bribes to award government contracts and money-laundering. <br />''<br />''<br />''The 65-year-old pleaded not guilty to all charges and will stand trial. Najib also attended the hearing to offer support.<br />''<br />''<br />''Hamidi's party leads the coalition of parties that ruled Malaysia from independence in 1957 until their shock defeat in May polls.<br />''<br />''<br />''Many coalition partners abandoned UMNO since, that had become synonymous with widespread graft, divisive racial politics in the multi-ethnic country.<br />''<span style="color: #222222;"> </span><br />