Crowd begins to build at KL court complex ahead of Muhyiddin's arrival

KUALA LUMPUR: A crowd has begun to build at the Kuala Lumpur court complex here ahead of the arrival of former prime minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin on Friday (March 10).

Muhyiddin is expected to face six charges involving four counts of abuse of power and two counts of money laundering at the Sessions Courts here today.

Media practitioners were standing by at the court complex from as early as 8am while Rela officers could be seen keeping a close watch at the entrance to the complex.

Meanwhile, Bernama reported that a vehicle was seen leaving the Bersatu president's housing area in Bukit Damansara accompanied by a police escort at about 8.20am.

Former Gombak MP Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali has also been seen at the complex to offer his support to Muhyiddin, alongside other Perikatan Nasional leaders. Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) secretary general Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin was also among those spotted.

Bersatu deputy president Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu and Bersatu supporters have also gathered outside the main entrance to the complex in a show of support.

For the power abuse case, the charges against Muhyiddin are framed under Section 23 of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Act 2009 while the money laundering charges would be under Section 4(1)b of the Anti-Money Laundering and Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Illegal Activities Act (AMLATFPUAA) 2001.

The cases will be heard before two Sessions Court judges; Azura Alwi and Suzana Hussin.

Earlier on Thursday (March 9), MACC chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki confirmed that Muhyiddin, who is the Pagoh MP, would be brought to court to face multiple charges.

Muhyiddin is the second former prime minister to be charged in court, after Datuk Seri Najib Razak, joining a slew of politicians facing criminal charges and known as "the court cluster" (kluster mahkamah).