Former Malaysia PM Muhyiddin arrested, to face multiple graft charges

MALAYSIA on Thursday (Mar 9) arrested former prime minister Muhyiddin Yassin over multiple corruption allegations, the country’s anti-graft agency said.

The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), in a statement, said Muhyiddin will be charged under laws related to abuse of power and money laundering.

Muhyiddin, who was prime minister for 17 months between 2020 and 2021, arrived at the MACC offices on Thursday morning for questioning. He and his party have faced graft investigations since losing to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim in a tightly contested election in November.

Anwar last year ordered a review of government projects worth billions of dollars approved by Muhyiddin, including Covid-19 relief programmes, alleging that they did not follow proper procedures.

Muhyiddin denied the accusations, describing them as a political vendetta.

Anwar on Thursday said he had not interfered in the graft investigations involving Muhyiddin, state media Bernama reported.

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MACC questioned Muhyiddin last month over an economic recovery project launched by his government. Two leaders belonging to his party have been charged with bribery regarding the same project. The commission also froze bank accounts belonging to the party.

The charges against Muhyiddin come ahead of the regional elections due to be held in six states by the middle of this year. The ex-premier’s coalition is expected to pose a strong challenge to Anwar’s alliance. REUTERS