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Former Malaysian Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin Acquitted of Four Covid-Era Corruption Charges
By Drooid · · How we work
Court Ruling Acquits Four Charges
The Kuala Lumpur High Court has cleared former prime minister Muhyiddin Yassin of three money-laundering counts and one abuse-of-power charge tied to the Jana Wibawa programme, a Covid-19 relief scheme for contractors. High Court judge Noor Ruwena Md Nurdin ordered a full acquittal after rejecting the prosecution’s request for a discharge not amounting to an acquittal, which would have allowed the charges to be revived later. Prosecutors indicated they no longer wished to pursue the four counts.
Background of the Jana Wibawa Programme
Jana Wibawa was established by the Malaysian government during the pandemic to provide financial assistance to construction contractors whose projects were stalled by lockdowns. The programme’s disbursements, amounting to 200 million ringgit (approximately US$49.1 million), later became the subject of a criminal investigation alleging misuse of funds and money-laundering activities.
Legal Proceedings and Remaining Charges
Initially, Muhyiddin faced seven charges—four now dismissed and three abuse-of-power counts that remain pending. The court’s decision removes nearly half of the allegations, but the outstanding charges keep him among a group of former Malaysian prime ministers currently under criminal investigation.
Implications for Malaysia’s Political Landscape
The acquittal reduces immediate legal pressure on Muhyiddin, yet the unresolved charges mean his legal battles are not concluded. Observers note that the case reflects broader scrutiny of former leaders’ conduct during the pandemic, underscoring ongoing efforts by Malaysian authorities to address alleged corruption linked to emergency relief programmes.