Muhyiddin applies to strike out three money-laundering charges

KUALA LUMPUR: Former prime minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin will file an application to strike out three charges against him, the Sessions Court heard Tuesday (Sept 19).

Lead defence counsel Datuk Hisyam Teh Poh Teik said the application for the charges under Section 4(1) of the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001 (AMLATFPUAA) will be filed soon.

He added that the application will be made under the Criminal Procedure Code (CPC).

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“In regards to the main trial of the three charges, we will file an application to set aside the cases under Section 173(g) of the CPC.

“We’ll also write to the prosecution for an agreement for the variation of bail, and request for the (Muhyiddin’s) passport,” he told the court before Sessions Court judge Azura Alwi, who then set Nov 29 for mention of the case.

Muhyiddin, 76, did not appear at the proceedings on Tuesday and was reportedly granted an exemption from the court.

On March 10, Muhyiddin was charged with abuse of power and violation under Section 4(1) of AMLATFPUAA here and in Shah Alam.

He faced two charges for allegedly receiving proceeds of RM195mil from Bukhary Equity which was transferred to Bersatu’s bank account between Feb 25, 2021 and July 8 last year.

Later on March 13, the Bersatu president was once again charged in the Shah Alam Sessions Court with one count of receiving RM5mil from an illegal activity.

The decision on the joint trial application for the remaining charges had been postponed as requested by the prosecution on Tuesday following the High Court’s decision to acquit Muhyiddin of four charges in August.

The High Court discharged and acquitted Muhyiddin of four charges involving abuse of power to obtain a RM232.5mil gratification for his party, Bersatu.

Deputy public prosecutor Datuk Wan Shaharuddin Wan Ladin said an appeal had been filed on Aug 15 to overturn the decision and the case management was set for Sept 27.

Wan Shaharuddin added that a petition was also filed on Tuesday to the Court of Appeal.