![[X] Zulaikha Farhana](/_ipx/q_80&s_60x60/https://cdn.newswav.com/ugc-assets/31-1700639405060-1942-1700556722855-WhatsApp-Image-2023-11-20-at-5.33.07-PM.jpeg)
The prosecution in the money laundering case against former Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin has objected to his request for a temporary release of his international passport to travel to Bangkok, Thailand on February 15.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Zander Lim Wai Keong, in the prosecution’s counter-affidavit, stated that Muhyiddin's planned trip is to strengthen friendships and goodwill with acquaintances and attend the opening of a restaurant called Phrigkiao.
Lim argued that there is no urgent need to justify the temporary release of Muhyiddin's passport, and the reasons submitted in his affidavit lack supporting evidence.
The Sessions Court has scheduled February 15 to hear the prosecution’s application to postpone the trial of the three money laundering charges amounting to RM200 million against Muhyiddin, along with his application to strike out the charges. Lim emphasized that Muhyiddin's presence at the proceedings was mandatory, yet he still booked a flight ticket for that date.
Regarding Muhyiddin's application for the temporary release of his passport until February 23, based on his supporting affidavit filed on January 31, Muhyiddin stated that he needs to travel to Bangkok because his close Malaysian friend wants him to officiate the opening of his new Thai restaurant.
Previously, on November 29 last year, the Sessions Court granted Muhyiddin's request for the temporary release of his passport to go on a family holiday in London and have a health check-up in Singapore.
Muhyiddin, 76, faces two charges of allegedly receiving RM195 million in illegal gains from Bukhary Equity Sdn Bhd deposited into Bersatu’s CIMB Bank account. He was also charged in the Shah Alam Sessions Court on March 13, 2023, with allegedly receiving RM5 million in illegal gains. The case was transferred to the Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court to be jointly tried.
On August 15 last year, the High Court discharged and released Muhyiddin of four charges of using his position for bribes amounting to RM232.5 million for the Bersatu party, in connection to the Jana Wibawa project. The prosecution filed a notice of appeal at the Court of Appeal against the decision on the same day, and the hearing was set for February 28 and 29.
The prosecution's objection to Muhyiddin's passport request highlights the ongoing legal complexities surrounding his case. Despite being discharged of previous charges, Muhyiddin still faces serious allegations related to money laundering, which the prosecution argues justify the need to restrict his travel.
The upcoming hearing on February 15 will be crucial in determining whether Muhyiddin will be allowed to travel to Bangkok for the reasons stated in his affidavit. The prosecution's stance underscores the importance of his presence in court proceedings, signaling their commitment to ensuring a fair trial.
The legal battle surrounding Muhyiddin's case is multifaceted, involving various charges and appeals. The decision on his passport request and the outcome of the pending trial will significantly impact his legal standing and future proceedings.
As the legal saga continues, the outcome of Muhyiddin's passport request and the pending trial will be closely watched by the public and legal experts alike. The prosecution's objection highlights the seriousness of the charges against him and the importance of his presence in court proceedings.
Muhyiddin's previous temporary release of his passport for a family holiday in London and a health check-up in Singapore has already been granted by the Sessions Court. However, this latest request for a trip to Bangkok has raised concerns for the prosecution, especially considering the nature of the charges he is facing.
The upcoming hearing on February 15 will be a critical juncture in this case, where the court will weigh the arguments presented by both sides. Muhyiddin's legal team will likely need to provide compelling reasons to justify his trip to Bangkok, considering the prosecution's objections and the mandatory nature of his presence in court.
The decision on this matter will have significant implications for Muhyiddin's legal standing and the progress of his trial. It remains to be seen how the court will rule on this latest development in the ongoing legal proceedings against the former prime minister.
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