Perikatan Nasional chairperson Muhyiddin Yassin, who is facing money-laundering charges, has requested the permanent release of his passport to allow a family holiday in London, among others.
In his affidavit in support filed together with an application at the Kuala Lumpur High Court yesterday, the former prime minister said he also needed the document for a subsequent medical check-up in Singapore.
“It is a tradition where I will take my family for a month-long vacation every year. This year is no exception.
“This vacation is important because it allows me to spend time with my family as this year has been very stressful for both me and my family,” the New Straits Times quoted him saying in the affidavit.
The Pagoh MP said that he was informed by his travel agent that it is difficult to obtain flight tickets and arrange a vacation for a large group, especially around the Christmas season.
Muhyiddin noted that he will fly from Kuala Lumpur to Dubai on Dec 15, and have a layover until Dec 21, before departing for London on the same day. The London stay would be until Jan 10 next year, he said.
According to Muhyiddin, he also intends to undergo a heart examination through a stress test on a treadmill at the Mount Elizabeth Hospital in Singapore, after the vacation.
Muhyiddin said the RM2 million bail amount he has posted is sufficient to ensure his presence in court. In addition, he also has the responsibility as an MP to serve his constituents, he added.
The application will be heard before judge Azura Alwi on Oct 25, according to the report.
On Oct 4, Muhyiddin filed for a discharge not amounting to an acquittal from the remaining three money laundering charges.
On Aug 15, the Kuala Lumpur High Court allowed Muhyiddin’s application to nullify the four abuse of power charges against him linked to the Jana Wibawa programme, resulting in a full acquittal.
However, the prosecution has since filed to reverse the acquittal at the Court of Appeal.
In March, before the Sessions Court, Muhyiddin claimed trial for four counts of abuse of power and three money laundering charges involving RM232.5 million. – Malaysiakini