FORMER prime minister Muhyiddin Yassin was released tonight, nine hours after he turned up at the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) headquarters in Putrajaya, to have his statement recorded.

In a statement earlier, MACC said the Bersatu president was arrested at 1pm, adding that he was called in to record a statement in connection with the Jana Wibawa programme.

The anti-graft agency also said it has obtained permission from the Attorney-General’s Chambers to charge Muhyiddin in a Kuala Lumpur court tomorrow.

The Perikatan Nasional chairman is expected to face a number of charges under section 23 of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Act and section 4(1)(b) of the Anti-Money Laundering and Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001.

MACC is investigating allegations that chosen contractors deposited RM300 million in Bersatu’s account before the November general election.

Muhyiddin has denied this, saying that he is a victim of political slander by those intending to smear his reputation. He has also threatened to sue his accusers.

Last week, former Bersatu information chief and Tasek Gelugor MP Wan Saiful Wan Jan and Segambut Bersatu deputy chief Adam Radlan Adam Muhammad were charged with corruption.

They are alleged to have collected funds from the awarding of projects during Muhyiddin’s tenure as the eighth prime minister. – March 9, 2023.