Malaysia's ex-PM Muhyiddin arrested on corruption charges

Third Bersatu arrest in weeks could ruin opposition party's chances at next poll

Former Malaysian Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin speaks at a general election campaign rally in November. (Photo by Norman Goh)

NORMAN GOH, Nikkei staff writer

March 9, 2023 18:56 JST

Updated on March 9, 2023 21:26 JST

KUALA LUMPUR -- Malaysia's Anti-Corruption Commission on Thursday arrested former Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin on corruption and money-laundering charges.

Muhyiddin, who is also president of Bersatu, a member of a leading opposition coalition, is the second former prime minister to be charged. The first was Najib Razak, who is serving a 12-year jail term for corruption in connection with the SRC International and 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) scandal.