The acquittal stems from the prosecution’s request to discontinue proceedings on three money-laundering charges and one charge of abuse of power. While the prosecution indicated it no longer wished to pursue these specific counts, it did not provide detailed reasons for this decision, leaving the determination to the court. Judge Md Nurdin ruled that in the interests of justice, the court’s discretion should be exercised in favor of the accused, resulting in a discharge and acquittal for those four charges.
This ruling reduces the total number of charges against Muhyiddin from seven to three. He remains accused of three counts of abuse of power, which allege he accepted bribes totaling 25.3 million ringgit for his political party, Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu), in relation to projects by the company Jana Wibawa Sdn Bhd. The trial will continue with these remaining charges.
The case, commonly referred to as the Jana Wibawa trial, has kept Muhyiddin among several former Malaysian leaders currently engaged in criminal proceedings. The distinction between a DNAA and a full acquittal was central to the legal argument. A DNAA would have allowed the prosecution to potentially revive the charges later if new evidence emerged or if the court’s initial assessment was overturned on appeal. By opting for a full acquittal, the court has closed the matter for these four specific counts.
Judge Md Nurdin noted in her decision that the prosecution left the choice of remedy entirely to the court. “I’m of the view in the interests of justice, the discretion of the court is to be exercised in favour of the accused,” the judge stated. “So with that, the court discharges and acquits the accused from those four charges only. And we will continue with this case, with the three remaining charges related to Jana Wibawa.”
The remaining three charges allege abuse of power concerning funds from Bukhary Equity Sdn Bhd. Muhyiddin is accused of using his official position to secure these funds for his political party. The legal team for the defense has welcomed the acquittal, while the prosecution has indicated it will proceed with the trial on the remaining counts. The next procedural steps will focus on the defense of the three outstanding abuse-of-power charges.
This development marks a significant shift in the Jana Wibawa case, narrowing the scope of the trial. While the four dropped charges involved large sums of money through various corporate entities, the remaining charges focus specifically on the alleged misuse of office for political benefit. The case continues to attract attention due to Muhyiddin’s status as a former head of government and the broader implications for anti-corruption enforcement in Malaysia.
No immediate appeal deadline or sentencing date has been announced for the remaining charges, as the trial is still in its evidentiary phase. The court will continue to hear arguments and evidence related to the three counts of abuse of power. The outcome of these remaining charges will determine whether Muhyiddin faces further criminal liability in this specific matter.
