Kuala lumpur: The High Court today heard testimony confirming that Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin was one of the authorised signatories for a key CIMB Bank account belonging to Bersatu, which managed the party's contributions and membership fees. This revelation came during the trial of the former prime minister, who is currently facing several charges related to abuse of power and money laundering.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Bersatu finance officer Muhammad Zulhelmi Zaulkafly, aged 34, provided this information while testifying. He identified the three signatories for the CIMB account as Muhyiddin, who served as party president at the time; then-deputy president Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu; and then-treasurer-general Datuk Mohamed Salleh Bajuri, who was a mandatory signatory.
During the proceedings, Muhammad Zulhelmi, who served as the 22nd prosecution witness, explained that the CIMB account was designated for receiving contributions and membership fees, whereas another account with AmBank was intended for administrative and operational purposes. The accounts were under the watch of the party's treasurer-general, who reported financial matters to Bersatu's Supreme Leadership Council, including the party president.
When questioned, Muhammad Zulhelmi clarified that no single individual had exclusive control over the finances, despite the requirement for two signatories. Defense lawyer Chetan Jethwani, representing Muhyiddin, brought up this point during cross-examination.
The trial also delved into Muhyiddin's role in the party's management committee. Muhammad Zulhelmi stated that Muhyiddin was in charge of overseeing the committee, which handled the party's administration, management, and financial matters.
Muhyiddin, now 79, is charged with four counts under Section 23(1) of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Act 2009, related to allegations of abusing his position to secure RM225.3 million for the party through the Jana Wibawa programme from March 2020 to August 2021. Additionally, he faces three charges under the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001, involving RM200 million allegedly deposited into Bersatu's accounts between February 2021 and July 2022. If convicted, these charges could result in maximum prison terms of 20 years and 15 years, respectively, along with fines.