Proceeding with Muhyiddin charges could have jeopardised other cases, says AGC

DAP chairman Gobind Singh Deo has urged the Attorney-General Dusuki Mokhtar to explain the decision to drop four charges against former Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin in connection with Bukhary Equity Sdn Bhd. As a lawyer, Deo believes that a detailed justification for the decision to seek a discharge not amounting to an acquittal (DNAA) is crucial.

The digital minister emphasized the importance of transparency during a highly publicized trial that was nearing completion. He argued that confidence in the attorney-general and the integrity of the criminal justice system could be severely undermined if high-profile cases are discontinued without clear reasons and public explanation.

When criminal charges are filed, the prosecution is expected to thoroughly evaluate evidence and establish a strong basis for proceeding. The public has a right to know the specific factors that led to the decision to halt the case at that stage. Deputy public prosecutor Ahmad Akram Gharib informed the Kuala Lumpur High Court that the prosecution decided not to pursue the four charges against Muhyiddin after reviewing the overall case circumstances.

He applied for a DNAA under Section 254(1) of the Criminal Procedure Code, but the court acquitted Muhyiddin without providing a specific reason for the DNAA application. Muhyiddin still faces three other abuse of power charges related to the Jana Wibawa programme, where he is accused of soliciting RM25.3 million in bribes.