Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin has been slapped with four counts of power abuse at the Sessions Court here on Friday (March 10) involving a total of RM232.5mil in gratification.
The eighth Malaysian prime minister pleaded not guilty after the charges were read out before Sessions Court judge Azura Alwi in Kuala Lumpur on Friday.
According to the charge sheets, Muhyiddin, who was a public servant and the prime minister then, had abused his position for gratification from three entities and an individual for his ally, Bersatu.
He allegedly abused his position for gratification of RM200mil from Bukhary Equity Sdn Bhd; RM1mil from Nepturis Sdn Bhd; RM19.5mil from Mamfor Sdn Bhd and RM12mil from one Azman Yusoff.
All offences were allegedly committed at the Prime Minister’s Office, Putrajaya, between March 1, 2020 and Aug 20, 2021.
The charges are framed under Section 23(1) of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Act 2009.
If convicted, Muhyiddin faces imprisonment of up to 20 years, and a fine of no less than five times the amount of gratification or RM10,000, whichever is higher.
He is also facing two counts money laundering involving RM195mil. Muhyiddin is accused of receiving proceeds from illegal activities – RM120mil and RM75mil – from Bukhary Equity Sdn Bhd, which was deposited into Bersatu’s account.
The offences were allegedly commited at CIMB Bank, Jalan Stesen Sentral between Feb 25, 2021 and July 8, 2022.
The Pagoh MP was charged under Section 4(1)(b) of the Anti-Money Laundering and Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Illegal Activities Act (AMLATFPUAA) 2001.
He faces imprisonment of up to 15 years and a fine of no less than five times the amount of gratification or RM10,000, or whichever is higher, if convicted.
Muhyiddin, who is also the Bersatu President was investigated in relation to the Jana Wibawa Program for the Empowerment of Responsible Bumiputera Contractors (Jana Wibawa) and the prime minister’s authority in relation to tax exemptions.
The Pagoh Member of Parliament faces four charges involving abuse of power and money laundering.
On Thursaday (March 9), the Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) confirmed that Muhyiddin was arrested after appearing before the commission to record conversations and complete the final investigation process of the Jana Wibawa project.
The MACC in a statement informed that Muhyiddin will face charges in accordance with Section 23 of the MACC Act (ASPRM) 2009 and Section 4(1)b of the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorist Financing and Proceeds of Illegal Activities Act 2001.
Jana Wibawa implemented during the COVID-19, a continuation of the Competent Bumiputera Construction Contractor Development Program that was started in 1993.
Its implementation was approved by the Cabinet on 13 November 2020 when the government was administered by PN led by Muhyiddin.
Solicitor General Datuk Ahmad Terrirudin Mohd Salleh, who led the prosecution team, offered bail at RM2mil in two sureties for all the charges, with the accused’s passport surrendered to the court until the cases are over.
Muhyiddin’s counsel Datuk K. Kumaraendran said the defence team accepted the offer and hoped the prosecution would submit all the relevant documents to court before the next hearing date.
Judge Azura then fixed bail at RM2mil in two sureties and ordered Muhyiddin to surrender his passport.
She also fixed May 26 for mention.
Others in the prosecution team are 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.
The defence team also consists of Rosli Dahlan, Datuk Takiyuddin Hassan, Chetan Jethwani, Dev Kumaraendran, Mohamad Isa Mohamad Basir, Teh See Khoon and Varsha Chelvi.
