PERIKATAN Nasional chairman Muhyiddin Yassin has filed an application to quash four abuse of power charges he faces, his lawyers said today.

The former prime minister’s counsel Chetan Jethwani confirmed to news portal Malaysiakini that that the application was filed at the High Court in Kuala Lumpur recently.

The application also sought to stay the criminal case at the Sessions Court, pending the outcome of the filing.

The Pagoh MP is accused of accepting bribes totalling RM232.5 million on behalf of Bersatu for approving Jana Wibawa programme contracts.

The Bersatu president is also charged with two counts of laundering a total of RM195 million.

The 75-year-old denies all charges.

He is the second former prime minister to be charged with corruption after Najib Razak, who is serving a 12-year prison sentence for criminal breach of trust, money laundering and abuse of power.

The four abuse of power charges were framed under section 23 of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2009. He faces the possibility of up to 20 years in prison and a fine of five times the value of gratification, if convicted.

Muhyiddin is alleged to have committed the offences at the Prime Minister’s Office in Putrajaya between February 8 and August 20, 2021.

Meanwhile, he is accused of receiving more than RM120 million, proceeds of illegal activity, from Bukhary Equity Sdn Bhd between February 25, 2021, and July 8, 2022.

Under section 4(1)(b) of the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001, he faces up to 15 years in prison and a minimum fine of RM5 million, upon conviction. – April 19, 2023.