[UPDATED] Muhyiddin arrested, to be charged tomorrow: MACC

KUALA LUMPUR – Former prime minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin was arrested today at about 1pm at the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) headquarters, the agency has confirmed.

He will be charged tomorrow with corruption and money laundering, MACC said in a statement this evening.

In a statement, MACC confirmed that the Pagoh MP was arrested today after being called to give his statement into the investigations towards the government’s Jana Wibawa initiative introduced while he was prime minister.

MACC also stated that the Bersatu president and Perikatan Nasional chairman will face several charges under the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities (Amla) Act 2001 (Act 613).

“MACC has permission from the Attorney-General’s Chambers to charge Muhyiddin at the Kuala Lumpur court on March 10,’’ said the statement which used the name in his birth certificate, “Mahiaddin”.

The charges under the Amla Act will pertain to Section 4(1)(b), MACC added. This section pertains to the abetting of the commission of money laundering, an offence liable to a fine not exceeding RM5 million, imprisonment not exceeding five years, or both.

MACC also cited Section 23 of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2009, using one’s office or position for gratification.

Muhyiddin is the latest and most high-profile of Bersatu leaders hauled up in relation to the Jana Wibawa initiative, which was aimed at helping Bumiputera contractors.

On February 20, Tasek Gelugor MP 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.

Segambut Bersatu deputy chief Adam Radlan Adam Muhammad, meanwhile, has five charges for soliciting and accepting bribes in relation to Jana Wibawa projects. – The Vibes, March 9, 2023