Muhyiddin Has Opportunity to Rebuild Political Image
SHAH ALAM: The High Court’s decision to acquit and discharge Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin of four charges related to the Jana Wibawa programme could provide political leverage for the former prime minister ahead of the Melaka state election.
Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) Perdana Centre lecturer Associate Professor Dr Mazlan Ali said the decision could also ease the pressure on the Bersatu president and provide him with an opportunity to rebuild his political image.
He said the development would also allow Muhyiddin to focus his attention on efforts to strengthen Bersatu.
“The charges he faced were serious. So, when the prosecution decided not to proceed with the charges, it gave Muhyiddin room to focus on politics, and today he wants to strengthen Bersatu again.
“His image can be restored, in the sense that the public may now perceive Muhyiddin more positively,” he told Sinar Harian.
On Tuesday, the Kuala Lumpur High Court acquitted and discharged Muhyiddin, who is also the former Perikatan Nasional (PN) chairman, of one charge of using his position to obtain RM200 million in gratification and three money laundering charges involving the same amount.
Elaborating, Mazlan said the court decision could also become a political talking point for Muhyiddin ahead of the Melaka state election, particularly as integrity issues are commonly used by political parties during election campaigns.
“That is certainly the case. Integrity is usually one of the issues used during campaigning.
“During elections, such issues will be raised to attack individuals associated with them in an attempt to generate public anger towards those linked to integrity issues.
“Now that Muhyiddin has been cleared of the matter, it at least gives him an opportunity to restore his image, and others can no longer use the issue to attack him,” he said.
Sinar Harian