Malaysia’s ex-PM Muhyiddin Yassin charged with corruption

Former leader faces trial on charges of money laundering and abuse of power related to COVID-19 contracts.

Malaysia’s former Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin has been charged with abuse of power and money laundering in connection with awarding government contracts during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Muhyiddin, who led the country through its worst pandemic from March 2020, pleaded not guilty to the charges in a court in Kuala Lumpur on Friday morning. He previously called the research politically motivated.

The veteran politician faces up to 15 years in prison if found guilty of money laundering, and up to 20 years for abuse of power. He can also be fined.

Muhyiddin was granted bail of 2 million Malaysian ringgit ($442,674) by the judge and asked to surrender his passport.