Former Malaysian Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin, who continues to face significant money laundering charges totaling around RM200 million, has submitted an application seeking the unconditional release of his passport. The 76-year-old Member of Parliament for Pagoh initiated this application following a formal request made on September 29th, in which he sought the consent of the public prosecutor for alterations to his bail conditions, including the return of his travel documents.
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Notably, his solicitors, Chetan Jethwani & Company, filed this application in the sessions court on Monday, and it is expected to be discussed before sessions judge Azura Alwi next Wednesday.
It is important to underline that the prosecution intends to oppose Muhyiddin’s application, setting the stage for a legal battle. Muhyiddin insists that his passport is essential for a family holiday, a tradition he has followed for years, typically spanning one month. He has plans to spend this vacation in the United Kingdom, citing the stress that he and his family have endured during this challenging year.
Additionally, the former Prime Minister explains that he has already secured flight tickets due to high demand for UK-bound travel. His passport is also needed for a medical check-up in Singapore. Muhyiddin, echoing the advice of his legal counsel, highlights that the RM2 million bail posted on March 10 was primarily to secure his appearance in court. Given his status as an elected Member of Parliament with family and assets in Malaysia, he argues that he does not pose a flight risk.
Previously, the sessions court required him to surrender his travel documents while facing charges related to alleged abuse of power to obtain RM232.5 million for his political party, Bersatu, between February 8 and August 20, 2021, in addition to money laundering allegations. However, Muhyiddin contends that circumstances have significantly changed since then. On August 15, Justice Jamil Hussin of the Kuala Lumpur High Court acquitted and discharged him of the abuse of power charges, ruling that the charges lacked clarity and failed to disclose any recognizable legal offenses, thereby hampering Muhyiddin’s ability to prepare a defense.
This latest development underscores the continuing legal complexities surrounding the former Prime Minister and his ongoing legal battles. Muhyiddin’s request for unconditional passport release is likely to prompt further debates over the balancing of personal freedoms and legal obligations, particularly as he cites the stress his family has endured as a compelling reason for the vacation.
As this story unfolds, it will be essential to follow the legal proceedings and decisions regarding Muhyiddin Yassin’s passport release request and how they may impact his legal standing and political future in Malaysia.