SHAH ALAM - The three charges levelled against Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin under the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001 (AMLA) must be dropped following the Kuala Lumpur High Court's initial acquittal and release of him from corruption charges.
Perikatan Nasional (PN) Communications Chief Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali said that since the primary offence or predicate has been annulled, the AMLA charges cannot stand independently.
"The court's decision this morning (Tuesday) will reinforce PN's stance to oppose all forms of corruption and abuse of power in the current government while focusing on developing the economy of the people and the nation.
"PN believes that Muhyiddin has never been involved in corrupt practises and abuse of power, and he is someone who staunchly opposes corruption, including the largest financial scandal of 1MDB (1Malaysia Development Berhad), which led to his dismissal as Deputy Prime Minister.
"PN has been firm from the beginning that if the government upholds the principle of the 'rule of law,' Muhyiddin would not have been charged in court," he said in a statement on Tuesday.
Previously, the Kuala Lumpur High Court acquitted and discharged Muhyiddin, the Malaysian United Indigenous Party (Bersatu) President, of four charges of using his position to commit corruption amounting to RM232.5 million for the party.
Through the supporting affidavit filed together with the notice of motion, the PN Chairman alleged that the four charges were flawed and invalid under the law as they contradicted Section 152 of the Criminal Procedure Code.
Meanwhile, Mohamed Azmin said today's court decision proves the existence of malicious interference to tarnish the image and credibility of Bersatu, especially Muhyiddin, in order to make the people reject PN.
"But what happened in the state elections was the opposite.
"PN won significantly in Terengganu, Kelantan, and Kedah, and achieved a significant victory in Selangor, Pulau Pinang, and Negeri Sembilan," he said.