Former Malaysian PM Muhyiddin charged with corruption

Former Malaysian Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin was charged on Friday with abuse of power and money laundering over projects launched under his premiership, accusations that he said were politically motivated.

The charges come just three months after Muhyiddin lost a closely fought and divisive general election to Anwar Ibrahim, and are likely to increase political tension in Malaysia ahead of regional polls this year.

Muhyiddin, who led the country for 17 months between 2020 and 2021, becomes the second Malaysian leader to be charged with crimes after losing power.

At a Kuala Lumpur sessions court, the prosecution alleged that Muhyiddin abused his position as prime minister to receive bribes of 232.5 million ringgit ($51.44 million) in a bank account belonging to his party, Bersatu.

The former premier and opposition leader was charged with four counts of abuse of power and two counts of money laundering.

Muhyiddin, 75, pleaded not guilty to all six charges and said the accusations were "organized political persecution".

"Not a single cent of the people's money went into my own pocket during my tenure as prime minister," Muhyiddin told reporters after being granted bail.

The former premier faces up to 20 years in jail if found guilty. He would also be subject to a heavy financial penalty. The case will be heard next on May 26. Muhyiddin said he will face an additional charge of abuse of power on Monday.

MG