Muhyiddin, who led the country for 17 months between 2020 and 2021, is the second Malaysian leader charged with crimes after losing power. He has denied the charges and claimed that they are politically motivated.
During a Kuala Lumpur court session, 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. He 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 told reporters that the accusations were “organised political persecution”. He also maintained that “not a single cent of the people’s money went into my own pocket during my tenure as prime minister.”
Muhyiddin faces up to 20 years in jail and a heavy financial penalty if found guilty. He is set to face an additional charge of abuse of power on Monday.
The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission denied the accusations of political motivation and interference in its probe involving Muhyiddin. The former premier and his party had faced graft investigations since losing the national election in November. The anti-graft body froze the party’s bank accounts, and two leaders were charged with bribery.
Muhyiddin had also been banned from leaving the country. Prime Minister Anwar, who had long vowed to undertake reforms to improve governance and fight corruption that plagued Malaysia, dismissed accusations that the charges against Muhyiddin were politically motivated. He also stated that he had not interfered in investigations.
The case has been adjourned until May 26.
Muhyiddin's fall from grace began in August 2021, when he lost his parliamentary majority. After just 17 months in office, he resigned as prime minister, and Anwar was sworn in as the new prime minister. The political turmoil that followed was a stark reminder of the challenges facing Malaysia's democracy.
After taking office, Anwar vowed to clean up corruption, improve governance and create a fairer society for all Malaysians. His government launched a series of reforms to strengthen institutions and combat corruption.
However, critics accused Anwar of using the legal system to target his political opponents. Some analysts argued that the charges against Muhyiddin were part of a broader crackdown on dissent and opposition voices.
The charges against Muhyiddin come at a critical time for Malaysia. The country is preparing for a series of regional elections that will determine the future of its democracy. Many Malaysians are concerned that the charges will fuel political tensions and further instability.
Despite these concerns, many Malaysians have also welcomed the charges against Muhyiddin as a sign that their country's leaders are being held accountable for their actions. They hope the authorities will message other politicians that corruption and abuse of power will not be tolerated.
Muhyiddin's trial is expected to be closely watched by Malaysians and the international community. It will test Malaysia's justice system and its commitment to democracy and the rule of law.
Regardless of the outcome, the charges against Muhyiddin will likely have far-reaching implications for Malaysia's political landscape. They are a stark reminder of the challenges facing Malaysia's democracy and the need for more vital institutions and greater transparency in government.