Muhyiddin denies acquittal linked to talks with PH

PETALING JAYA: Bersatu president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin has denied that his acquittal on four charges involving RM200 million was linked to efforts to forge cooperation with Pakatan Harapan (PH) to form a new political alignment.

He said the High Court's decision had nothing to do with any efforts to cooperate with PH.

"Instead, it involved court proceedings over the charges I faced.

"The trial involved clear and specific charges which, as of today, were unfounded.

"Therefore, the prosecution withdrew the charges against me and I was acquitted of four of the seven charges," he told reporters at Bersatu's 10th anniversary celebration here today.

Muhyiddin said he did not see how the decision could be linked to cooperation with PH.

The High Court on Sept 15 acquitted and discharged Muhyiddin of one charge of using his position to obtain RM200 million in gratification and three money-laundering charges involving the same amount.

The prosecution had applied for a discharge not amounting to an acquittal, but the court instead granted a full acquittal.

High Court judge Noor Ruwena Md Nurdin said the prosecution had not provided reasons for discontinuing the four charges and exercised the court's discretion in Muhyiddin's favour. He still faces three charges of abuse of position involving RM25.3 million in alleged bribes.