[UPDATED] Opposition cries political persecution as Muhyiddin arrives at MACC HQ

PUTRAJAYA – Opposition lawmakers have cried foul over the investigations on Perikatan Nasional (PN) chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin following graft allegations after the Pagoh MP was called for further questioning by Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) today. 

Muhyiddin arrived at the anti-graft body at about 11.30am today to give his statement about the investigation into the misappropriation of government contracts. 

Bersatu Deputy President Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu said the actions taken against Muhyiddin, as well as the party, have been nothing short of “political persecution”. 

“Whatever is done to him today is political persecution (by the current administration). We call on members to pray for his safety and for him to be accorded fair treatment (by the authorities),” he said to the press outside MACC headquarters. 

When asked on purported rumours that Muhyiddin might be arrested and brought to court in the coming days, Faizal said the coalition will respond according to the law. 

Earlier today, several hundred PN supporters as well as many of its senior leaders waited in front of the MACC headquarters to show their support for Muhyiddin. 

Bersatu secretary-general Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainuddin also expressed hope that Muhyiddin will be given fair treatment by the authorities. 

“We hope that the investigative body is acting independently, and not on the instructions of any other parties. 

“We as a coalition have always been law-abiding and we have always acted in accordance with the law – unlike some other parties,” he said.

PAS deputy president Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man, who was present, alleged selective prosecution against Muhyiddin to distract the public from recent issues between Umno and the Registrar of Societies over a no-contest motion for the party’s top two posts.

It is learnt that Muhyiddin is expected to be charged with graft in relation to the Jana Wibawa stimulus initiative, as well as the government’s additional spending during the Covid-19 lockdown period when he was prime minister.

Previously, a couple of Bersatu leaders were charged in relation to the Jana Wibawa initiative aimed at helping bumiputera contractors.

Tasek Gelugor MP and former Bersatu information chief Datuk Wan Saiful Wan Jan was charged with soliciting and receiving bribes worth RM6.9 million to help a private firm secure a central spine road government contract worth RM232 million in 2022.

He and Segambut Bersatu deputy chief Adam Radlan Adam Muhammad were the first two people charged with corruption involving Jana Wibawa, which was introduced by Muhyiddin when he was prime minister. – The Vibes, March 9, 2023