Former prime minister Muhyiddin Yassin’s four abuse of power charges linked to the Jana Wibawa programme stay in place.
The Court of Appeal this morning dismissed the Pagoh MP’s application for a review of its earlier decision to reinstate the criminal charges.
The Perikatan Nasional chairperson’s abuse of power case involving RM232.5 million is linked to the programme for the empowerment of competent Bumiputera contractors.
On Aug 15 last year, the Kuala Lumpur High Court quashed the four charges for being allegedly defective and not disclosing particulars for Muhyiddin to mount a proper defence.
The appellate court reversed this ruling in February this year. Muhyiddin then sought a review of this verdict.
Speaking to reporters after the Court of Appeal’s decision today, Muhyiddin’s defence lawyer Datuk Hisyam Teh Poh Teik said the defence team shares Muhyiddin’s sentiment of being disappointed by the decision.
But Hisyam also said they respect the Court of Appeal’s decision today, saying: “We need time to study the judgment concerned as to the next step to be taken by the defence team acting for Tan Sri.”
Asked what options that Muhyiddin now has, Hisyam said: “The defence team will study further on this point, we will study the judgment carefully as to whether what are the legal avenues available.”