Ex-Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin arrested, to be charged tomorrow confirms MACC

March 9, 2023

2 minute read

Image credit: Malay Mail, The Vibes

The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission has just confirmed earlier today that former Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin will be charged tomorrow (March 10th, 2023) in connection with his involvement in the Jana Wibawa programme that was introduced under his tenure.

Former PM Tan Sri Muhyiddin to be charged tomorrow

According to local newspaper Malay Mail, this was corroborated by Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki, who said that Muhyiddin has arrived at MACC headquarters today at 11.15am and is currently having his statement recorded. This comes shortly the Pagoh Member of Parliament had denied rumours that he was arrested at a golf course yesterday (March 8th, 2023).

Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin arrived earlier at MACC headquarters, flanked by supporters and members of the press. Image credit: Malay Mail

Muhyiddin and his party, Bersatu, have recently been caught in the media limelight in the wake of ongoing investigations launched by the ruling administration into claims of the previous government’s misappropriation of funds linked to Covid-19 stimulus packages.

Chief among them being the Jana Wibawa programme that was aimed at boosting the lagging economy during the height of the pandemic by exacerbating the implementation of projects with Bumiputera contractors.

Bersatu faces controversy

In early February, the MACC proceeded to freeze the party’s accounts under the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act (Amla). This was followed by a string of prominent Bersatu faces being slapped with charges in connection with the Jana Wibawa program.

Bersatu has been met with much controversy after an investigation was launched into the previous government's handling of funds connected with Covid-19 stimulus packages. Image credit: Borneo Today — Bersatu has been met with much controversy after an investigation was launched into the previous government’s handling of funds connected with Covid-19 stimulus packages. Image credit: Borneo Today

This included former Bersatu information chief Datuk Wan Saiful Wan Jan, who stood trial for accepting nearly RM7 million in bribes and soliciting RM232 million in bribes in connection with the scheme, as well as Segambut Bersatu division deputy chief Adam Radlan Adam Muhammad, who was charged for accepting RM4 million in bribes. They have pleaded not guilty to their respective charges.

Most recently, Bersatu treasurer-general Salleh Bajuri was also arrested in connection with MACC investigations into both Jana Wibawa and AkuPN initiatives, before being released on bail.

In a statement released by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission, it has been confirmed that Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin was arrested at 1.00pm today at MACC headquarters in Putrajaya.