Muhyiddin files for DNAA on Jana Wibawa charges

Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, who was previously acquitted of four power abuse charges in August, is now seeking a discharge not amounting to an acquittal (DNAA) for three counts of money laundering, which involve RM200mil and are linked to the Jana Wibawa programme. Muhyiddin has filed an application for DNAA under Section 173(g) of the Criminal Procedure Code, through law firm Messrs Chetan Jethwani and Co.

Muhyiddin’s application is based on the argument that the three charges, which fall under the Anti-Money Laundering and Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001, are now “baseless” following the High Court’s decision on August 15 to strike out the four abuse of power charges. In his affidavit, the former prime minister states that it would be unreasonable and unfair to continue facing these charges, as a prolonged trial would negatively impact his quality of life and reputation.

The application also highlights that disallowing it would infringe upon Muhyiddin’s rights under Articles 5 and 8 of the Federal Constitution. As the Bersatu president and Pagoh MP, he currently faces two money laundering charges, which allege that he received RM195mil from illegal activities deposited into the party’s CIMB bank account via Bukhary Equity Sdn Bhd. Additionally, Muhyiddin was charged in the Shah Alam Sessions Court on March 13 for receiving RM5mil from illegal activities.

Muhyiddin’s move to seek a DNAA for the money laundering charges follows his previous attempt to strike out the Jana Wibawa charges. The application filed by Muhyiddin emphasizes the impact of a prolonged trial on his well-being and reputation. It also emphasizes that the High Court’s decision to strike out the power abuse charges renders the money laundering charges “baseless.”

The application asserts that continuing the trial would not only be unfair but would also infringe upon Muhyiddin’s rights. It states that a prolonged trial would adversely affect his quality of life and reputation, making it unreasonable to proceed with the charges.

Furthermore, it underlines the potential impact on Muhyiddin’s constitutional rights, particularly Articles 5 and 8, if the application is rejected. The article adds that Muhyiddin is facing two money-laundering charges related to receiving funds from illegal activities amounting to RM195mil. These funds were allegedly deposited into the party’s CIMB bank account. Additionally, he was charged with receiving funds amounting to RM5mil from illegal activities in the Shah Alam Sessions Court on March 13.

By seeking a DNAA for the money laundering charges, Muhyiddin aims to emphasize that they have become baseless following the High Court’s decision to strike out the power abuse charges against him.

The application filed by Muhyiddin contends that it would be unjust and unreasonable for him to face the money laundering charges, as doing so would negatively impact his quality of life and reputation. It also highlights the potential infringement upon his constitutional rights if the application is not granted.

The article notes that Muhyiddin had previously attempted to have the Jana Wibawa charges struck out. By filing this application for a DNAA, he aims to emphasize that the money laundering charges are now baseless in light of the High Court’s decision to dismiss the power abuse charges against him.

Muhyiddin’s affidavit stresses the negative impact of a prolonged trial on his well-being and reputation. It argues that he should not continue to face these charges given the circumstances and the High Court’s ruling on the power abuse charges.

To further support his application for a DNAA, Muhyiddin asserts that his constitutional rights under Articles 5 and 8 of the Federal Constitution would be affected if the application is denied. He emphasizes that it would be unreasonable and unfair for him to continue facing the money laundering charges due to the potential harm it would cause to his quality of life and reputation.