KUALA LUMPUR: “I will find justice with the courts” – that was Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin’s main message after he was slapped with abuse of power and money laundering charges.
“I have always fought against corruption and abuse of power from the beginning, and that’s what my party stands for as well.
“I am innocent until proven guilty by the court,” he said.
The former prime minister did not mince his words, describing the charges as “selective political prosecution”.
He said that in his 50-year political career, he had always obeyed the law.
“Government officers who have served with me know my behaviour and stance on obeying the rules and the law,” he added.
Taking a shot at Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Muhyiddin said this was a ploy to create the perception of Perikatan Nasional having a “court cluster” of its own.
“He wants to liken me to him. He has been charged with using foundation money for his own use, whereas with me, not a single sen entered my pockets,” he said.
He also urged his supporters to remain calm.
“I will not ask you to hold street demonstrations to defend me. This is an era of economic recession due to Covid-19. People are struggling to make ends meet.
“I will not burden the people by asking them to stand up for me. We all have to obey the law and maintain peace,” he said.
When asked about his status as Bersatu president, he said it was a matter for the party’s supreme council to deliberate.
