Former Malaysian prime minister Muhyiddin Yassin was arrested Thursday after anti-corruption authorities questioned him over alleged misuse of public funds to fight Covid-19.
Muhyiddin, who served as prime minister for 17 months between 2020 and 2021, during Malaysia’s battle against the coronavirus, is expected to face multiple charges in court on Friday, the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) said in a statement. .
He currently leads an opposition coalition against Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s government after failing to garner enough support to return to power following a general election in November last year.
Muhyiddin, 75, visited the MACC office on Thursday, a day after being summoned by the body.
The agency later said Muhyiddin was arrested and will be held overnight pending the filing of charges.
He was questioned as part of an investigation into irregularities related to the economic stimulus package – introduced by Muhyiddin when he was prime minister – to help the country recover from the effects of the pandemic “and related issues”, MACC said.
The former leader will face “several charges” related to violations of anti-corruption and money-laundering laws, the statement said.
He could face up to 20 years in prison if convicted, but is likely to be released when the case is heard.
The MACC earlier launched an investigation into allegations of misuse of pandemic funds by Bersatu, his political party.
It froze Bersatu’s bank accounts last month, and two party leaders were charged with bribery related to the stimulus program.
Muhyiddin has denied wrongdoing and supporters say the investigation is intended to damage Bersatu ahead of state elections in July.
‘Political harassment’
About 100 supporters gathered outside the MACC building and shouted in support of Muhyiddin when he arrived at noon.
“Muhyiddin’s call is political harassment,” senior Bersatu member Baba Deni told AFP.
“The idea is to tarnish his image because he is Bersatu president. It is also to sabotage the party’s popularity among young voters.
Prime Minister Anwar, who has denied interfering in the investigation, said billions of dollars in Covid-19 relief funds were spent without proper procedures while Muhyiddin was in office.
Muhyiddin rose to prominence as former prime minister Najib Razak, who is currently serving a 12-year prison sentence for corruption linked to the looting of state investment company 1MDB.
He fell out with Najib in 2015, when he was sacked after criticizing the government over the 1MDB scandal.
Muhyiddin later joined the party founded by former prime minister Mahathir Mohamad and helped oust Najib and his party, the United Malays National Organization (UMNO).
Then in a volte face typical of Malaysia’s turbulent politics, he rejoined UMNO to gain enough support to become prime minister.