DATUK Seri Muhammad Adlan Berhan, the son-in-law of eighth premier Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, left Malaysia on May 17, 2023.
The Malaysian Anri-Corruption Commission (MACC) is still seeking him over alleged corruption and misappropriation involving a governmentt project for the registration, recruitment and storage of foreign workers’ biometric data.
The graft buster agency publicly released Adlan’s name, photograph, age and last-known address alongside that of lawyer Mansoor Saat on Aug 7, 2023.
According to MACC, the duo had failed to appear despite being contacted through their lawyers, hence requested the public to provide information concerning their whereabouts.
Adlan denied being a fugitive. Through his lawyer, he claimed that he had left Malaysia legally for business, remained in communication with the investigating officer and would return after completing his affairs provided that the alleged threats and persecution ceased.
That was more than three years ago. If he was contactable and genuinely willing to cooperate, why has he still not returned?
Wishy washy affair
Adlan has not been convicted and remains innocent unless proven guilty. However, innocence should be defended through Malaysia’s legal process – not indefinitely from overseas.
MACC announced in October 2025 that its investigation was complete, all relevant witnesses had been interviewed and assets believed to belong to Adlan abroad were being traced.
An arrest warrant had also reportedly been issued. The Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) must therefore explain whether the investigation papers have been reviewed, whether charges have been approved and what legal options remain available while Adlan stays overseas.
Malaysia submitted documents to Interpol in August 2023 seeking a Red Notice. As to-date, the government of the day has never clearly confirmed that Interpol approved and issued it.
An application is not the same as an active Red Notice. Interpol reportedly requested further technical information. Was that information supplied and what is the application’s present status?
Adlan’s Malaysian passport was cancelled only on Sept 12, 2025 which is approximately 28 months after he left Malaysia. Why did such a basic enforcement measure take more than two years?
MACC later suggested that he might be travelling with another passport or foreign travel document. The government must clarify what it has verified about that document and what lawful measures are available to restrict his movements.
Authorities believe that Adlan is in a Middle Eastern country without an extradition treaty with Malaysia.
They also previously claimed that cooperation with Interpol and foreign authorities had produced “new leads”. Has Malaysia since requested deportation, mutual legal assistance or another lawful arrangement to secure his return? What became of those supposed new leads?
Separately, Muhyiddin is currently defending four abuse-of-power and three money-laundering charges involving RM225.3 mil linked to Jana Wibawa.
Why has Adlan not returned home?
He has pleaded not guilty. An MACC officer has reportedly lodged a police report alleging the public disclosure of a classified document referred to during the trial.
Editor’s Note: The Bersatu president was on Tuesday (Sept 15) granted a discharge not amounting to acquittal (DNAA) on four out of seven charges related to the Jana Wibawa project which court hearing commenced on March 10, 2023.
The Kuala Lumpur High Court discharged and acquitted the Pagoh MP of three counts of money laundering and one abuse of power charge involving RM200 mil related to Bukhary Equity Sdn Bhd.
Police must investigate that allegation independently. It is unrelated to Adlan’s case and nothing here prejudges Muhyiddin, his lawyers or the on-going court proceedings.
But it creates another serious issue concerning transparency, document security and the handling of politically sensitive MACC investigations.
Muhyiddin frequently speaks about integrity, selective prosecution and political persecution. He should therefore publicly and unequivocally urge his son-in-law to return, cooperate with the authorities and clear his name.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, MACC, the Royal Malaysia Police, the Home Minister and the AGC owe Malaysians clear answers. Why has Adlan not been returned?
Was the Interpol Red Notice ever approved? Why was his passport cancelled only after 28 months? What foreign travel document is he allegedly using? What assets have been traced or frozen? Why has no prosecution followed when MACC says its investigation is complete?
This politically sensitive case cannot be allowed to disappear quietly from public attention. Bring Adlan home, place the evidence before the court and allow justice to proceed transparently, independently and without fear or favour. – Sept 17, 2026
Governance advocate and political commentator, Datuk Dr Sivasampoh Kannikuddy is also a group CEO/executive with a background spanning finance, banking and strategic management, including leadership roles with MyOwn Inc.
The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia.
