Hisyam is Muhyiddin’s new counsel for RM5mil case

PETALING JAYA: Senior lawyer Datuk Hisyam Teh Poh Teik will lead the counsel for former prime minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, who is charged with power abuse and money laundering in the Jana Wibawa programme.

In a short reply to The Star, Hisyam confirmed the matter saying: “Wassalam yes.”

The veteran lawyer is also the lead counsel for Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi in his Yayasan Akalbudi graft cases.

Another recent high-profile case Hisyam had taken on was Sam Ke Ting’s basikal lajak case, which saw her being freed.

Muhyiddin, the Pagoh MP is alleged to have, in his capacity as Bersatu president, illegally received RM5mil from Bukhary Equity Sdn Bhd at the Amcorp Mall, Petaling Jaya AmBank branch.

On March 13, Muhyiddin was charged under Section 4(1)(b) of the Anti-Money Laundering and Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Illegal Activities Act (AMLATFPUAA) 2001 read together with Section 87 (1) of the same Act.

He was also charged with four counts of abuse of power for using his position as the then PM involving RM232.5mil as well two counts of money laundering involving RM195mil.

The charges were framed under Section 23(1) of the MACC Act 2009 and the AMLATFPUAA 2001 respectively.

He is accused of receiving the money that was deposited into the Bersatu AmBank account on Jan 7 last year.

If found guilty, he faces a jail term of up to 15 years and a fine of not less than five times the amount of gratification.

The Bersatu co-founder has denied all charges.

Others who have been charged for corruption related to the Jana Wibawa programme include former Bersatu information chief Datuk Wan Saiful Wan Jan and businessman cum Bersatu Segambut division deputy chief Adam Radlan Adam Muhammad.