Will Muhyiddin face trial for RM232.5 million in alleged bribes?

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Muhyiddin Must Face Trial Over RM232.5 Million in Alleged Bribes

Former prime minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin will proceed to trial for four charges of abuse of power involving RM232.5 million in alleged bribes. The Court of Appeal has dismissed his application to review a prior decision that had overturned his acquittal and ordered the case back to the Sessions Court for trial. This latest ruling confirms that the earlier Court of Appeal decision remains valid, meaning Muhyiddin will now face the charges in the Sessions Court.
Court of Appeal Dismisses Bid to Review Acquittal Reversal

A five-judge panel at the Court of Appeal unanimously decided to dismiss Muhyiddin's application for a review of the February 28 decision. This earlier decision had set aside the High Court's acquittal of Muhyiddin on the four charges. Muhyiddin's legal team had argued that the Court of Appeal lacked the jurisdiction to hear the prosecution's appeal against his acquittal, citing Section 50(1)(b) of the Courts of Judicature Act 1964. However, the court disagreed, stating that Muhyiddin's argument would create an "absurd situation" where the High Court could acquit individuals without trial, leaving the prosecution without recourse.
Jurisdiction Confirmed for Appeal on High Court Acquittal

The Court of Appeal panel concluded that the High Court possesses revisionary powers over any criminal matter, not solely those previously decided by the Sessions Court. Consequently, the Court of Appeal affirmed its own authority to hear appeals against any High Court decision in criminal matters, including acquittals. The judges found that the prosecution's appeal against Muhyiddin's acquittal fell within the scope of Section 50(1)(b) of the CJA, thus validating the earlier panel's jurisdiction to hear and adjudicate the case.
Charges Stem From Alleged Bribery During Premiership

Muhyiddin was initially charged on March 10, 2023, with four counts of abuse of power under Section 23(1) of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2009. These charges allege that he used his positions as prime minister and president of Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) to solicit bribes totalling RM232.5 million. The alleged bribes were purportedly from three companies—Bukhary Equity Sdn Bhd, Nepturis Sdn Bhd, and Mamfor Sdn Bhd—and an individual, Azman Yusoff, intended for his "associate," Bersatu. These alleged offences occurred between March 2020 and August 2021.
Case Awaiting Trial in Sessions Court

Following the Court of Appeal's decision today, Muhyiddin's four abuse of power charges are now scheduled for trial at the Sessions Court in Kuala Lumpur. The court has set September 27 for the mention of the case. In addition to these charges, Muhyiddin is also facing three money-laundering charges in the same court.

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Will Muhyiddin face trial for RM232.5 million in alleged bribes?

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