PETALING JAYA: The Attorney General (AG) must provide a detailed explanation regarding the decision to discontinue four charges against Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, says Gobind Singh Deo.
The DAP national chairman said this is a matter of importance, given that legal proceedings are ongoing.
"When criminal charges are brought against any individual, the standard expectation is that the prosecution has thoroughly evaluated the evidence and established a strong basis to proceed.
"The public is entitled to know what specific material factors or legal considerations changed to prompt the decision to halt the process at this stage," he said in a statement on Tuesday (Sept 15).
Gobind said transparency is essential as the case involves significant public interest.
"Confidence in the AG and the integrity of the criminal justice system as a whole will be heavily eroded if active, high-profile prosecutions are discontinued midway through without clear justification and a full explanation provided to the public.
"I therefore call upon the AG to speak up and publicly outline the exact grounds that led to the application he made in court today," he said.
Earlier on Tuesday, the High Court acquitted former prime minister Muhyiddin of four charges in his graft trial linked to the Jana Wibawa programme.
The acquittal was for a charge of abusing his position for a RM200mil bribe and three counts of money laundering involving the same amount.
Justice Noor Ruwena Md Nurdin made the order of discharge and acquittal after allowing an application by deputy public prosecutor (DPP) Datuk Ahmad Akram Gharib.
The DPP told the court that the prosecution did not intend to proceed with the case in accordance with Section 254(1) of the Criminal Procedure Code.
The provision allows the public prosecutor to stop prosecution at any time during a trial before the judge delivers a final judgment.
Justice Noor Ruwena said the prosecution did not disclose the reason for withdrawing the case.
