THE Court of Appeal has upheld four abuse of power charges against former premier Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin linked to the Jana Wibawa programme. The ruling was delivered this morning, dismissing Muhyiddin’s application to review the appellate court’s earlier decision to reinstate the criminal charges.
The Perikatan Nasional (PN) chairperson, who is also the Pagoh MP, faces allegations of misusing his position in relation to RM232.5 mil under the Jana Wibawa programme, which was designed to empower Bumiputera contractors.
On Aug 15 last year, the Kuala Lumpur High Court had quashed the charges, deeming them defective and lacking sufficient details for Muhyiddin to properly defend himself. However, the Court of Appeal reversed this decision in February, prompting Muhyiddin to seek a review.
A five-member bench led by judge Datuk Azizah Nawawi dismissed the review today, stating that the appellate court had the necessary jurisdiction to hear the prosecution’s appeal against the High Court’s decision. Judges Datuk Mohd Ruzima Ghazali, Datuk Ahmad Zaidi Ibrahim, Datuk Azman Abdullah, and Datuk Azhahari Kamal Ramli concurred with the ruling.
“The earlier panel has jurisdiction to hear the matter. This review is dismissed,” said Azizah.
With this ruling, the case will proceed in the Sessions Court.
Muhyiddin’s lawyer Datuk Hisyam Teh Poh Teik indicated that they would study the court’s decision before determining their next steps.
In March last year, Muhyiddin appeared before the Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court, where he claimed trial on four counts of abuse of power and three counts of money laundering. The charges, laid under Section 23(1) of the MACC Act 2009, accuse him of using his position as then-prime minister and Bersatu president to solicit RM232.5 mil in inducements from three companies and one individual between March 2020 and August 2021.
The companies involved are Bukhary Equity, Nepturis Sdn Bhd, and Mamfor Sdn Bhd, while the individual is named as Datuk Azman Yusoff.
Moreover, the three money laundering charges were filed under Section 4(1)(b) of the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing, and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001. Muhyiddin is accused of using his position to allow Bersatu to receive RM125 mil in proceeds from illegal activities linked to Bukhary Equity, between February 2021 and July 2022.
The prosecution was led by Attorney-General’s Chambers appellate and trial division chief Datuk Mohd Dusuki Mokhtar. – Sept 11, 2024
Main photo credit: Bernama
