FORMER prime minister (PM) Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin claims trial to six charges including four abuse of power and two money laundering charges involving RM232.5 million at Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court today.

Muhyiddin was accused of using his position as PM and Bersatu president to obtain RM232.5 million from three companies and an individual, between March 1, 2020, and Aug 20, 2021.

The four abuse of power charges were laid Section 23(1) of the MACC Act 2009 while the two money laundering charges were also framed under Section 4(1)(b) of the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001 read with Section 87(1) of the same Act.

Judge Azura Alwi allowed Muhyiddin, who is also the Perikatan Nasional (PN) chairman RM2 million bail with two sureties.

However, the Pagoh MP has to surrender his international passport to the court until the case is resolved.

Azura also set May 26 for the re-mention of the case. 

Muhyiddin may be facing 20 years in jail and a fine five times the amount of gratification involved or RM10,000 whichever is higher for the abuse of power charges.

Meanwhile, for the money laundering case, he may be sentenced to imprisonment of 15 years and fined five times the amount involved or RM5 million, whichever is higher.

The prosecutor team is led by Solicitor General Datuk Ahmad Terrirudin Mohd Salleh assisted by Deputy Public Prosecutors Datuk Faridz Gohim Abdullah, Datuk Wan Shaharuddin Wan Ladin, Ahmad Akram Gharib, Noralis Mat, Nor Asma Ahmad, Rasyidah Murni Azmi, Muhammad Asraf Mohamed Tahir, Kalai Vani Annadorai and Maziah Mohaide.

Meanwhile, Muhyiddin defence team consisted of Datuk K Kumaraendran as well as lawyers Datuk Rosli Dahlan, Datuk Takiyuddin Hassan, Chetan Jethwani, Dev Kumaraendran, Mohamad Isa Mohamad Basir, Teh See Khoon and Varsha Chelvi.

Muhyiddin was called to the Malaysian Anti Corruption Commision (MACC) headquarters in Putrajaya yesterday’s morning for questioning.

MACC then announced he was arrested at 1pm but the former PM was let off later at 8.20pm.

He then joined his supporters, which included other PN leaders at PAS’ Taman Melewar complex in Gombak, claiming that his charges are ridiculous and he is a victim of vindictive politics as well as abuse of power from the current unity government — TMR / pic Bernama