Prosecution to object to Muhyiddin’s request for passport release

Prosecutors would be raising objection against Perikatan Nasional chairperson Muhyiddin Yassin’s application for permanent release of his passport, which was previously surrendered to the criminal court as part of RM2 million bail terms in his ongoing money laundering case.

Deputy public prosecutor Nor Asma Ahmad told the Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court this morning that they need more time to respond to Muhyiddin’s application.

“The notice of application was served on us on Oct 17. We will object to this application. We seek two weeks (to file the prosecution’s affidavit in response),” Nor Asma told trial judge Azura Alwi.

Azura then rescheduled today’s initially set hearing of Muhyiddin’s bid to Nov 23.

The trial judge directed the prosecution to file their affidavit by or on Nov 8, with any reply by Muhyiddin’s legal team by or on Nov 17.

Last week, the former prime minister filed a request for a permanent release of his passport to allow a family holiday in London, among others.

‘Very stressful’

In his affidavit-in-support filed together with an application at the Kuala Lumpur High Court, Muhyiddin said he also needed the document for a subsequent medical check-up in Singapore.

“It is a tradition where I will take my family for a month-long vacation every year. This year is no exception.

“This vacation is important because it allows me to spend time with my family as this year has been very stressful for both me and my family,” the New Straits Times quoted him saying in the affidavit.

The Pagoh MP said he was informed by his travel agent that it is difficult to obtain flight tickets and arrange a vacation for a large group, especially around the Christmas season.

Muhyiddin noted that he will fly from Kuala Lumpur to Dubai on Dec 15, and have a layover until Dec 21, before departing for London on the same day. The London stay would be until Jan 10 next year, he said.

According to Muhyiddin, he also intends to undergo a heart examination through a stress test on a treadmill at the Mount Elizabeth Hospital in Singapore after the vacation.

Muhyiddin said the RM2 million bail amount he has posted is sufficient to ensure his presence in court. In addition, he also has the responsibility as an MP to serve his constituents, he added.

On Oct 4, he filed for a discharge not amounting to an acquittal from the remaining three money laundering charges.

On Aug 15, the Kuala Lumpur High Court allowed Muhyiddin’s application to nullify the four abuse of power charges against him linked to the Jana Wibawa programme, resulting in a full acquittal.

However, the prosecution has since filed to reverse the acquittal at the Court of Appeal.

In March, before the Sessions Court, Muhyiddin claimed trial to four counts of abuse of power and three money laundering charges involving RM232.5 million.

Counsel K Kumaraendran and Chetan Jethwani comprised part of Muhyiddin's legal team.

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