MACC found no evidence of corruption, says Muhyiddin

Muhyiddin Yassin today said the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) failed to find any evidence that he had received bribes, even as the agency said the former prime minister would be brought to court to face charges tomorrow.

Emerging after nearly eight hours of questioning at the MACC headquarters, the Perikatan Nasional chairman expressed regret that financial assistance for Covid-19 was now being exploited for political capital and to bring charges against opponents.

"MACC should know that there is no abuse of power or corruption.

"It is unfortunate if political funds in Bersatu's accounts are considered bribes," he said.

He also said he believed he would still be slapped with charges despite giving his statement to investigating officers.

Muhyiddin said MACC today raised issues linked to the JanaWibawa programme, as well as an appeal for a tax exemption by tycoon Syed Mokhtar Al-Bukhary.

"I reaffirm that I have not done anything wrong under the law. I was not the one with the authority to approve government projects. That power is with the finance ministry. 

"I merely implemented the Cabinet decision which required the Prime Minister's Office to forward project applications for consideration by the finance ministry in accordance with the requirements and regulations," he added.

Muhyiddin also said he had never met with or received money from any of the contractors who were awarded projects.

"MACC did not find any evidence that I received money."

On the application by Syed Mokhtar, Muhyiddin said the tycoon was known for his philanthropy in helping Islamic causes.

He said because of this, the tycoon's Yayasan Albukhary was given a tax exemption under the previous Barisan Nasional government, which were then revoked by former finance minister Lim Guan Eng under the Pakatan Harapan (PH) administration. 

Muhyiddin said following an appeal by Syed Mokhtar, he had stated in writing that he had no objection to reinstating the tax exemption if the appeal was found to be in order by the finance ministry and the Inland Revenue Board.

"Because of the minutes, I am now accused of abuse of power," he said, adding that he had played no role in approving Syed Mokhtar's appeal.

He said Syed Mokhtar had given financial aid to many political parties over the years, and that any such aid to Bersatu was deposited in the party's accounts.

"If Syed Mokhtar wanted to contribute to Bersatu as a party that fights for good policies for the Malays and the country, what is wrong?

"So how can I be accused of accepting bribes and abusing power?

"I have explained all this to the MACC investigating officers. Under normal circumstances, there is no basis to prosecute me under any law.

"But there has been an instruction to charge me from the most powerful party in the government. So no matter what explanation I give, I will still be charged.

"I am convinced that by the will of God, Anwar, PH and the parties conspiring with him will be punished by the people in the election," he said.