KUALA LUMPUR: Former prime minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said the decision to charge him in court was reached even before his statement was recorded by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).
He claimed that it was "made by the country's most powerful leadership before the investigation was completed".
"How is it (possible) that the decision to prosecute me was made before my statement was taken?
"They are just using the enforcement agency to achieve their political agenda.
"It is an organised political persecution. I have been in politics for 50 years and have always abided by the law," he said at a press conference at the Kuala Lumpur Courts Complex today.
Muhyiddin reiterated that he had not committed any offence and that those who had worked with him would have known his character and principles well, as well as his compliance to the regulations and law.
Muhyiddin, whose actual registered name is Mahiaddin Md Yasin, 76, pleaded not guilty to all six counts of corruption and power abuse involving RM427.5 million after the charges were read to him before Sessions Court judge Azura Alwi this morning.
"Following the investigation, it was revealed that not a single sen of the people's money went into my pocket throughout my time as the prime minister.
"This contradicts the allegation against me claiming I embezzled RM600 billion from the economic stimulus package during Covid-19 pandemic.
"This proves that the allegation was malicious slander created to tarnish the image of my family, party and I," said Muhyiddin, who is Perikatan Nasional chairman and Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia president.
Following this, he said, the party in question had "created" some offences he had committed to confirm Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi's claim that a new court cluster would exist among Perikatan Nasional leaders.
Muhyiddin also denied allegations that he had abused power as the prime minister to appoint Bumiputera contractors for the Jana Wibawa project.
He said he did not have such power to approve such projects, but were instead awarded by the Finance Ministry in accordance with legit regulations and process.
He assured his supporters that his legal team will work hard to get justice in court.
"I leave my fate to God and a just judge. This is an era of economic turmoil due to Covid-19 where people are experiencing hardships.
"I do not want to burden the rakyat in defending me. We must all obey the law and maintain the peace of the country," he said, reminding his supporters to not take it to the streets, protesting in his defence.
In expressing appreciation to the party and PN supporters, he urged them to remain calm, and allow him a chance to defend himself through the legal process.
"All I hope for (now) are prayers from all of you, so that I will get my justice, and for all of us to always be protected by Allah s.w.t.," he said.
Muhyiddin was charged with two counts of receiving RM195 million funds credited into the party's account between Feb 25 and July 16, 2021; and from Feb 8 till July 8 last year.
He was also charged with four counts of using his position as the prime minister and Bersatu president to ask RM200 million as a bribe at the Prime Minister's Department Complex, Federal Government Administrative Centre, Putrajaya between Feb 8 and 25, 2021.
He is also expected to face another corruption charge at the Shah Alam court on Monday.
