KUALA LUMPUR: Former prime minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said he had trouble sleeping after he was charged with corruption and money laundering last week.
Speaking at Perikatan Nasional's 'Solidariti Menentang Kezaliman' event in Taman Melewar last night, Muhyiddin also said that he had to borrow money to pay for the bail set by the Kuala Lumpur Session Court.
"Never in my life have I ever broken any law, not even a speeding ticket.
"When I read (the news) about the charges, it was difficult to sleep. My wife also had difficulty sleeping. My children worry about me...that is normal.
"Then I read that if convicted, the punishment is 20 years in jail and a fine. If the amount involved is RM200 million, I have to pay triple the amount, so what do you think I should be thinking?" said Muhyiddin.
On Friday, Muhyiddin, who is Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) president, was charged with six counts of corruption and abuse of power of power involving RM427.5 million
He pleaded not guilty and claimed trial to all six counts after the charges were read to him before Sessions Court judge Azura Alwi.
Muhyiddin was charged with two counts of receiving RM195 million funds, that are proceeds from unlawful activities between February 25 to July 16, 2021 and February 8 till July 8 last year.
Both charges were framed under Section 4(1)(b) of the Anti-Money Laundering and Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001.
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 from Bukhary Equity Sdn Bhd at the Prime Minister's Department Complex, Federal Government Administrative Centre, Putrajaya between Feb 8 and Feb 25, 2021.
He was also accused of committing the same offence at the same location, by asking RM32.5 million from Nepturis Sdn Bhd, Mamfor Sdn Bhd and Azman Yusoff for a bribe for the party between March 1 to August, 2020.
The Pagoh member of Parliament also said that he had to borrow money to pay the RM2 million bail set by the court.
He said the fund raising efforts by the party were not enough to pay the bail so he had to borrow the money.
"Luckily, there were those who were willing to lend me the money, if not I will still be in jail," said Muhyiddin.
"We will present our case in court and all I ask of you is for your prayers."