Prosecution objects to release of Muhyiddin’s passport

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To attend restaurant opening in Bangkok.

Bernama

The prosecution in Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin’s money laundering case has once again objected to the former prime minister’s application for a temporary release of his passport, this time to travel to Bangkok, Thailand on Feb 15.

In the prosecution’s counter affidavit to the application obtained by the media, deputy public prosecutor Zander Lim Wai Keong said that based on the flight ticket, Muhyiddin is set to leave for Bangkok at 4.20pm on Feb 15.

According to Lim, the purpose of the applicant’s trip is to strengthen friendships and goodwill with acquaintances and attend the opening of a restaurant.

“The grounds are unreasonable and there is no urgent need that justifies the temporary release of the applicant’s passport. The reasons submitted in his affidavit are also without any supporting evidence,” he said.

Lim said the Sessions Court has fixed Feb 15 to hear the prosecution’s application to postpone the trial of the three money laundering charges amounting to RM200mil faced by Muhyiddin, and his application to strike out the charges.

“The applicant’s presence at the proceedings is mandatory. He is fully aware of the matter but still booked the flight ticket for that date,” he said, adding that Muhyiddin still poses a flight risk because he is facing an additional three money laundering charges.

Based on the supporting affidavit of the application filed on Jan 31, the Perikatan Nasional chairman said he applied for the temporary release of his international passport until Feb 23 to travel to Bangkok, Thailand, because his close Malaysian friend wants him to officiate the opening of his new Thai restaurant.