FORMER premier Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin is gearing up for a crucial legal battle as he prepares to challenge four charges of abuse of power. Set to lead his defence team during next week’s Court of Review hearing is Steven Perian, a distinguished King’s Counsel (KC) from the UK.

Perian, the first KC admitted to the High Court of Malaya, brings formidable expertise to Muhyiddin’s defence. Known for his exceptional legal acumen and extensive experience in handling complex criminal cases, Perian is expected to bolster the defence strategy significantly.

The Legal 500 lauded Perian for his exceptional legal acumen, stating, “He has an analytical mind and an encyclopaedic knowledge of the law.”

The 2023 edition further praised him as “an industrious, approachable, and charming silk.”

Moreover, the distinguished criminal lawyer has prosecuted numerous economic offences and financial crimes, including a US$2.3 tril (RM10.8 tril) conspiracy to defraud UK financial institutions, and has also defended clients in various UK fraud cases such as public sector fraud and money laundering.

The charges against the former premier filed in March last year before the Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court, allege four counts of abuse of power and three charges of money laundering totalling RM232.5 mil.

Furthermore, these charges under the MACC Act 2009 and the Anti-Money Laundering Act 2001 accuse the Pagoh MP of using his position for financial inducement from three companies and an individual, between March March 1, 2020, and Aug 20, 2021.

The companies involved are Bukhary Equity, Nepturis Sdn Bhd, and Mamfor Sdn Bhd, with the individual being Datuk Azman Yusoff.

The 77-year-old faces three money laundering charges under Section 4(1)(b) of the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing, and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001, read with Section 87(1) of the same act.

Muhyiddin, who is also the Perikatan Nasional chairman, is accused of abusing his powers to enable Bersatu to receive RM125 mil in illicit proceeds from Bukhary Equity between Feb 25, 2021, and July 8, 2022.

The charges do not claim that the payments were made directly to the former premier but allege that the money was laundered through deposits into Bersatu’s account.

Perian’s involvement marks a significant development in Muhyiddin’s legal defence, underscoring the high stakes of the upcoming appellate bench hearing scheduled to commence next Tuesday (July 9). - July 4, 2024

https://focusmalaysia.my/muhyiddin-prepares-for-legal-battle-with-uks-steven-perian-leading-defence/