Kuala lumpur: The Attorney General's Chambers (AGC) emphasized that the decision not to proceed with four charges against Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, concerning Bukhary Equity Sdn Bhd, was made following a professional evaluation of the evidence, the case's evidential viability, and the overall interests of the prosecution.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the AGC clarified that this decision should not be interpreted as an indication that the charges were unfounded nor as a finding that the transactions under investigation did not occur. The AGC highlighted that prosecutorial decisions are subject to review, taking into account the entirety of the evidence, its admissibility, the credibility of witnesses, and implications for other proceedings. Such decisions, the AGC stated, must be grounded in law, evidence, and the interests of justice administration.
The AGC further explained that proceeding with the charges posed a substantial risk of litigation, which included the potential to undermine the strategy and evidential foundation of other charges still pending against the accused. In this context, the prosecution must prioritize the overall interests of the case rather than isolating and defending a single charge.
Emphasizing the prosecutorial duty, the AGC stated that it is not to defend a specific charge at all costs but to ensure that only charges with sufficient evidence and defendable in court are pursued. After considering all these factors, the AGC concluded that continuing with the charges is neither appropriate nor prudent.
Despite this decision, the prosecution of three other predicate charges under Section 23(1) of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2009 (Act 694) against Muhyiddin will continue. High Court Judge Noor Ruwena Md Nurdin discharged and acquitted Muhyiddin of one charge of using his position to obtain RM200 million in bribes and three money laundering charges after the prosecution informed the court of its decision not to proceed against the Pagoh Member of Parliament concerning Bukhary Equity Sdn Bhd.
Muhyiddin, 79, is currently being tried on three charges of using his position to secure RM25.3 million in bribes for Bersatu from three companies: Nepturis Sdn Bhd, Mamfor Sdn Bhd, and KCJ Engineering Sdn Bhd, as well as from Datuk Seri Azman Yusoff in connection with the Jana Wibawa project. The prosecution in his trial concluded its case today after calling 29 witnesses.