Muhyiddin arrested, to be charged under graft, money laundering laws

The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) today confirmed that it had arrested former prime minister Muhyiddin Yassin, whom it said would be charged under corruption and money laundering laws.

In a statement, it said the Perikatan Nasional chairman was detained at 1pm after presenting himself for questioning as part of the anti-graft agency's investigation into alleged abuses linked to JanaWibawa, a post-Covid programme to help Bumiputera contractors.

"MACC has received permission from the Attorney-General's Chambers to charge Muhyiddin at the Kuala Lumpur court on March 10," it added. 

It said Muhyiddin would face a number of charges under Section 23 of the MACC Act 2009 and Section 4(1)b of the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001.

Muhyiddin's arrest followed that of two other Bersatu leaders after weeks of accusations by government leaders against the party. 

MACC also froze the bank accounts of Bersatu, which has filed an application for a judicial review to challenge the decision.

Muhyiddin, who was also questioned last month regarding the same project, denied the accusations, calling them a political vendetta ahead of elections in six states which must be held this year.