Former Malaysian prime minister accused of corruption

Muhyiddin Yassin, the former prime minister of Malaysia, was charged on Friday with money laundering and misusing his position to obtain bribes in connection with the alleged misuse of a COVID economic recovery fund.

At the height of Malaysia’s fight against the coronavirus, Muhyiddin served as prime minister for 17 months between 2020 and 2021. He currently heads an opposition coalition against Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s administration.

After former leader Najib Razak, who is presently serving a 12-year prison term for his role in a financial scandal at state investment firm 1MDB, he is the second former prime minister to be charged with corruption.

Muhyiddin, 75, was charged with four counts of misusing his position to secure bribes for his political party Bersatu totaling 232.5 million ringgit ($51.4 million).

The corporations which reportedly paid the bribes received preferential treatment for projects funded by the Covid fund.

The maximum sentence for each crime is 20 years in jail.

The charge sheets state that 195 million ringgit were deposited into Bersatu’s account, and Muhyiddin was also charged with two counts of money laundering.

Prosecutors said a third money laundering charge was expected to be filed against him on Monday.

At the Sessions Court on Friday, Muhyiddin pleaded not guilty to all charges and requested a trial.

His passport had to be turned in order for him to be released on bail.