Gobind presses AG to explain prosecution's DNAA request for Muhyiddin

 

DAP has urged Attorney-General Dusuki Mokthar to issue a detailed explanation on the decision to halt prosecutorial action against Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin in his Bukhary Equity Sdn Bhd case.

The statement from DAP national chairperson Gobind Singh Deo comes after the Kuala Lumpur High Court earlier discharged and acquitted (DAA) Muhyiddin from four out of seven charges after the prosecution applied for a discharge not amounting to an acquittal (DNAA).

Gobind, who is also the digital minister, stressed that when criminal charges are brought against any individual, the “standard expectation” is that the prosecution has thoroughly evaluated the evidence and established a strong basis to proceed. 

As such, he said the public is entitled to know what specific material factors or legal considerations changed to prompt the decision to halt the process at this stage.

“As this case involves significant public interest, transparency is essential.

“Confidence in the AG and the integrity of the criminal justice system will be heavily eroded if active, high-profile prosecutions are discontinued midway through without clear justification and a full explanation provided to the public,” the Damansara MP said.

Charges discontinued

Muhyiddin’s DAA covers three money laundering charges and one abuse of power charge involving RM200 million related to Bukhary Equity.

Judge Noor Ruwena Nurdin ordered the full acquittal after deputy public prosecutor Ahmad Akram Gharib applied for a DNAA for the four charges. 

Akram reportedly told the court that the prosecution did not intend to proceed with the four charges under Section 254(1) of the Criminal Procedure Code, while Section 254(3) allows the court to direct an acquittal.

Muhyiddin (above, centre), 79, was accused of using his positions as prime minister and Bersatu president between March 1, 2020, and Aug 20, 2021, to obtain RM200 million in gratification for the party from Bukhary Equity.

However, the former prime minister still stands accused of three charges of using his position to obtain RM25.3 million in bribes for the party from three companies - Nepturis Sdn Bhd, Mamfor Sdn Bhd, and KCJ Engineering Sdn Bhd - in connection with Jana Wibawa, a Covid-19 stimulus initiative to help bumiputera contractors.

Muhyiddin was first charged on March 10, 2023, at the Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court with four abuse-of-power charges and two money-laundering charges.

He received a seventh charge - another money laundering count involving RM5 million from Bukhary Equity - at the Shah Alam Sessions Court on March 13, 2023.

The prosecution today also wrapped up its case against him, with the court fixing several dates for written and oral submissions before determining whether he will have to enter his defence. - Mkini