Prosecution witness admits testifying to avoid graft charges

KUALA LUMPUR — A prosecution witness in the high-profile case against former Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin conceded on Tuesday that his decision to testify was motivated in part by his desire to resolve his own legal troubles. The witness, however, maintained that he had not negotiated or received any formal immunity deal with the MACC in exchange for his evidence. The acknowledgment came during cross-examination and raises questions about the independence of the testimony in a case that has drawn significant public attention. The trial has centred on allegations against Muhyiddin, who served as Prime Minister from 2020 to 2021. The witness's admission that personal legal considerations influenced his cooperation adds a complex dimension to the proceedings, though legal experts noted that motivations for testimony do not necessarily undermine its credibility or admissibility in court. The MACC has not commented on the specifics of the witness's status or any arrangements made during the investigation phase.