Muhyddin released on RM2m bail

369
- Advertisement - [resads_adspot id="2"]

Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, who is facing four counts of abuse of power amounting to RM232.5 million and two counts of money laundering involving RM195 million, was released on bail of RM2 million with two sureties by the Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court on Friday (March 10).

The former prime minister was also ordered by Judge Azura Alwi to surrender his passport pending disposal of his case.

Judge Azura also fixed May 26 for mention of the case.

Earlier, Muhyiddin pleaded not guilty and claimed trial to all six counts.

According to the first until fourth charge sheets, Muhyiddin, who was a public servant and the prime minister then and the Bersatu president, had abused his position for gratification from three entities and an individual for his ally, Bersatu.

He allegedly abused his position for gratification of RM200 million from Bukhary Equity Sdn Bhd; RM1 million from Nepturis Sdn Bhd; RM19.5 million from Mamfor Sdn Bhd and RM12 million 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 of money laundering involving RM195 million.

For these charges, Muhyiddin is accused of receiving proceeds from illegal activities – RM120 million and RM75 milliion – from Bukhary Equity Sdn Bhd, which was deposited into Bersatu’s account.

The offences were allegedly committed at CIMB Bank, Jalan Stesen Sentral between Feb 25, 2021, and July 8, 2022.

Muhyiddin 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.

Solicitor General Datuk Ahmad Terrirudin Mohd Salleh is leading the prosecution team in Muhyiddin’s trial.

The other members of the prosecution team are DPPs 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.

Muhyiddin’s defence team is led by Datuk K Kumaraendran and also includes Rosli Dahlan, Datuk Takiyuddin Hassan, Chetan Jethwani, Dev Kumaraendran, Mohamad Isa Mohamad Basir, Teh See Khoon and Varsha Chelvi.

Muhyiddin Yassin is expected to face another corruption charge in Shah Alam on Monday.