KUALA LUMPUR: The Sessions Court here today dismissed Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin's application to temporarily obtain his passport.
Judge Azura Alwi, in her ruling, said the reasons provided by the former prime minister were insufficient to justify the release of the passport.
She said despite the dismissal, the applicant is not restricted from living his life or fulfilling his responsibilities.
"The applicant can still go on holiday or celebrate occasions, just not abroad," she said.
Earlier, during submissions, Muhyiddin's lawyer, Datuk Hisyam Teh Poh Teik, argued that there was no risk of his client absconding as his family members are in Malaysia.
"He has never failed to attend court when required and has cooperated fully with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) throughout the investigation," he said.
The Pagoh ember of Parliament sought to have his international passport returned for eight days, from Oct 4 to 14.
In his affidavit, Muhyiddin said he is seeking the document to allow him and his wife to take a short trip to Uzbekistan as a form of respite from the various challenges he has faced in recent months.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Noralis Mat objected to the application, arguing that the offense Muhyiddin is charged with is non-bailable, as evidenced by witness statements.
"The prosecution opposes the application on the grounds that the reasons given are trivial and unreasonable.
"The applicant claims he needs a vacation due to stress from the court charges, and that he is exhausted and requires a break abroad with his family.
"This is a frivolous reason. Vacations and celebrations can be held in Malaysia," she said.
The court had previously returned Muhyiddin's passport temporarily for various reasons, including visiting family members, seeking medical treatment, and attending overseas programs.
On March 10 last year, Muhyiddin was charged with four counts of using his powers as the then prime minister and Bersatu president to obtain bribes amounting to RM232.5 million from three companies, namely Bukhary Equity Sdn Bhd, Nepturis Sdn Bhd and Mamfor Sdn Bhd as well as Datuk Azman Yusoff for the party.
He had allegedly committed the offences at the prime minister's office, Bangunan Perdana Putra, Federal Government Administration Centre in Putrajaya between March 1, 2020 and Aug 20, 2021.
He was also charged at the Shah Alam Sessions Court on March 13 last year with receiving proceeds from unlawful activities amounting to RM5 million, and the case had been transferred to the Sessions Court here for a joint trial.