[LIVE] Claims of RM6 bil misappropriation merely slander: Muhyiddin

KUALA LUMPUR – Former prime minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin will be charged here today over his alleged role in the Jana Wibawa project and other related matters.

He will be charged with offences under the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Act 2009 and Section 4(1)b of the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act (AMLATFPUAA) 2001.

Yesterday, he was arrested at 1pm at MACC headquarters in Putrajaya after giving his statement, and was released on bail at about 8.20pm.

Previously, MACC froze bank accounts belonging to Muhyiddin’s party Bersatu while the former prime minister was slapped with a travel ban by the Immigration Department.

Muhyiddin, 75, is the second former prime minister to face graft charges after Datuk Seri Najib Razak, who is being prosecuted for his alleged role in the 1Malaysia Development Bhd financial scandal.

Join us as we bring you live updates inside and outside the courtroom. – The Vibes, March 10, 2023

11.55am – Judge Azura fixed May 26 for case mention.

11.49am – As Muhyiddin leaves the court complex, he is accompanied by supporters chanting “Hidup Tan Sri”, “Lawan tetap lawan”, “Perikatan Nasional” and “Allahuakbar” as well as heavy police and media presence. 

11.37am – During a press conference after posting bail, Muhyiddin said the charges laid against him “did not involve public funds”, and this shows that allegations that “I misappropriated RM6 billion are outright slander”.

“I again deny the allegations that monies from Jana Wibawa, meant to save Bumiputera contractors, were misused by me. 

“I also deny that I have abused my position to order a tax exemption for Yayasan Albukhary. The approvals for such things were done entirely by the MoF (Finance Ministry).”

He added: “I have never broken the law. I hold on to my principles. This is the price I have to pay. I will have my day in court and leave it to God to render ultimate justice.

“I will not urge people to take to the streets to defend me. People are facing tough times due to the effects of the pandemic.”

9.42am – After pleading not guilty to the six charges, Muhyiddin is expected to give a press conference at the court complex.

9.34am – Prosecutors will apply for the case to be transferred to the Kuala Lumpur High Court on Monday.

9.27am – Judge Azura ordered bail to be set at RM2 million with two sureties and for Muhyiddin’s passport to be surrendered to court until the conclusion of the case.

9.23am – Muhyiddin claimed trial to four charges of abuse of power amounting to RM232.5 million and two charges of receiving RM195 million in illicit funds.

According to the first charge, Muhyiddin is accused of using his position as the eighth prime minister and Bersatu president to solicit RM200 million from Bukhary Equity between February 8 and 25, 2021, at the Prime Minister’s Office. 

On the second charge, he is accused of using his position to solicit RM1 million, between March 1 and August 20, 2021, from Nepturis Sdn Bhd for Bersatu.

On the third charge, Muhyiddin was alleged to have solicited RM19.5 million from Mamfor Sdn Bhd for accomplice Bersatu between March 1, 2020 and August 20, 2021. During the same period, Muhyiddin is accused of soliciting RM12 million from one Azman Yusoff for the party.

The charges are framed according to Section 23(1) of the MACC Act 2009. If found guilty, Muhyiddin faces a maximum of 20 years and a fine of not less than five times the sum or value of the gratification or RM10,000, whichever is higher.

On the other two counts, Muhyiddin is accused of receiving illicit funds amounting to RM195 million as Bersatu president from Bukhary Equity that was deposited into the party’s CIMB bank account. The offences allegedly took place between February 25 and July 16, 2021, as well as between February 8 and July 8, 2022.

The two charges are framed under Section 4(1)(b) of the AMLATFPUAA Act 2001. If found guilty, Muhyiddin could face a maximum of 15 years in jail and be liable to a fine of not less than five times the sum or value of the proceeds of an unlawful activity at the time the offence was committed or RM5,000,000, whichever is higher. 

The prosecution is represented by Solicitor-General Datuk Ahmad Terrirudin Mohd Salleh, deputy public prosecutors Datuk Faridz Gohim Abdullah, Datuk Wan Shaharuddin Wan Ladin, Ahmad Akram Gharib, Noralis Mat, Nor Asma Ahmad, Rasyidah Murni Azmi, Muhammad Asraf Mohamed Tahir, Kalai Vani Annadorai and Maziah Mohaide.

9.15am – Sessions court judge Azura Alwi is presiding over Muhyiddin’s case. Muhyiddin is represented by Datuk Rosli Dahlan, Datuk Takiyuddin Hassan, Chetan Jethwani, Dev Kumaraendran, Mohamad Isa Mohamad Basir, Teh See Khoon and Varsha Chelvi.

8.58am – Some of Muhyiddin’s supporters were chanting “Bangkit Perikatan”, among others, outside the court complex while one of them was leading the chants on the back of a pickup.

8.45am – Bersatu secretary-general Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin was spotted in the court complex. He was joined by Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali, Datuk Seri Rina Harun, Datuk Seri Ronald Kiandee, Datuk Seri Radzi Jidin and PAS secretary-general Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan. Muhyiddin’s family members and children were also seen at the court to lend support.

8.40am – Bersatu deputy president Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu and dozens of supporters are outside the court complex this morning in a show of solidarity for their president.

In the meantime, Muhyiddin’s vehicle was seen arriving at the court complex here.

8.20am – Bernama reported that a police vehicle was seen leaving Muhyiddin’s residence in Jalan Setiabakti 5, Bukit Damansara. Some 10 minutes later, a vehicle carrying the former prime minister left the residence.

8.10am – Media personnel have started to gather at the Kuala Lumpur court complex this morning, ahead of the proceedings involving Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin. 

Additional reporting by Danial Dzulkifly and Nicole Ng