FORMER prime minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin is set to be slapped with another corruption charge at the Shah Alam court next Monday, said Bersatu deputy president Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu.
Addressing supporters outside the Kuala Lumpur court complex earlier this morning, the former Perak menteri besar lamented the action against Muhyiddin, whom he said had contributed a lot to the country.
Faizal also expressed confidence that the Perikatan Nasional (PN) chairman was not guilty after hearing the charges levelled against the latter.
“If a statesman can be treated like this, what about the rakyat?” Faizal was quoted as saying by Berita Harian.
Earlier today, Muhyiddin claimed trial to four counts of abuse of power and two money laundering charges involving RM232.5 mil before Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court judge Azura Alwi.
The four abuse of power charges, laid out under Section 23(1) of the MACC Act 2009, accused the 75-year-old Muhyiddin of using his position as then prime minister and Bersatu president to obtain RM232.5 mil from three companies and an individual, between March 1, 2020, and Aug 20, 2021.
Meanwhile, the two money laundering charges, framed under Section 4(1)(b) of the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001 read with Section 87(1) of the same Act, accused the Pagoh MP of receiving RM120 mil of proceeds from illegal activity from Bukhary Equity Sdn Bhd between Feb 25, 2021, and July 8, 2022.
Muhyiddin pleaded not guilty after the charges were read out to him.
If found guilty, Muhyiddin will face 20 years in jail and a fine five times the amount of gratification involved or RM10,000 whichever is higher for the abuse of power charges.
For the money laundering case, he may be sentenced to imprisonment of 15 years and fined five times the amount involved or RM5 mil, whichever is higher.
Azura allowed Muhyiddin bail of RM2 mil in two sureties and ordered his passport to be impounded.
The case will be mentioned on May 26. – March 10, 2023
Main pic credit: Bernama
