THE Sessions Court today fixed November 29 to decide on Muhyiddin Yassin’s bid for the permanent release of his passport.

Judge Azura Alwi set the date today after hearing submissions from Muhyiddin’s lawyers K. Kumaraendran and Amer Hamzah Arshad, and deputy public prosecutors Wan Shaharuddin Wan Ladin and Lim Wai Keong.

Earlier, Kumaraendran told the court Muhyiddin was entitled to regain permanent possession of his passport as there had been “material change of circumstances” since he was charged.

Wan Shaharuddin objected to Muhyiddin’s bid, citing three pending money laundering charges against the ex-prime minister.

He said Muhyiddin could apply at any time for a temporary release of his passport.

Muhyiddin previously applied for the unconditional permanent return of his passport so he could undergo medical treatment in Singapore and take his family on vacation to London.

Previously, the Perikatan Nasional chairman in a supporting affidavit said the year-end vacation was an annual tradition in which his family goes on a month-long trip.

Muhyiddin also said he needed a heart examination via treadmill stress test at Mount Elizabeth Hospital in Singapore.

He said he underwent treatment at Mayo Clinic in the United States several years ago, where doctors informed him Mount Elizabeth Hospital has the same treatment and diagnostic tools.

Muhyiddin said his lawyers advised him the RM2 million bail he provided earlier would be sufficient to ensure his presence in court, and that handing over his passport was merely an additional guarantee.

Muhyiddin faces three counts of laundering money totalling RM200 million.

In August, the High Court struck his four power abuse charges, saying they were defective and did not disclose any offence known to law.

The prosecution filed an appeal with the Court of Appeal, which will hear the case in February. – November 23, 2023.