Former prime minister Muhyiddin Yassin has failed to convince the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) to drop four counts of abuse of power involving RM232.5 million and three money laundering charges amounting to RM200 million preferred against him.
Deputy public prosecutor Wan Shaharuddin Wan Ladin told the High Court that the decision was conveyed to the Pagoh MP on Aug 22, Sinar Harian reported.
“Following that, I request that the court fix trial dates for the four abuse of power cases and the three money laundering cases. I also request that all these cases be jointly tried,” he was quoted as saying.
Wan Shaharuddin said the prosecution was ready to proceed with the trial as early as January next year while Muhyiddin‘s lawyer, Hisyam Teh Poh Teik, proposed that the hearing start in May or June.
After hearing both sides, Justice K Muniandy fixed Nov 10 for case management to set the trial dates and allowed the prosecution’s request to excuse Muhyiddin from attending the next mention.
On Aug 14 last year, the High Court struck out the four abuse of power charges on grounds that they were vague and baseless.
However, on Feb 28, the appeals court reversed that decision, ordering for the charges to be reinstated and set for trial at the sessions court here.
On April 4, Muhyiddin asked for all seven charges to be heard in the High Court, saying the case involved complex legal questions of public interest. The request was allowed.
The four abuse of power charges relate to Muhyiddin’s time as prime minister and Bersatu president, where he allegedly solicited RM232.5 million in bribes from one individual and three companies.
The remaining three charges concern RM200 million in funds allegedly received from Bukhary Equity Sdn Bhd and deposited in his party’s account.
