Judge Azura Alwi allowed Muhyiddin’s application for the return of his passport despite the non-urgent nature of the overseas trip, Berita Harian reported.

Azura said it was unreasonable to restrict him from his normal life and responsibilities unless he was proven guilty, despite imposed restrictions, security and bail conditions.

“The court agrees that the bail serves to ensure the defendant’s appearance in court to answer charges, and that the passport was surrendered for travel restrictions until the case’s conclusion.

“The court also finds no evidence indicating that the applicant poses a flight risk,” she was quoted as saying.

This is the second time Muhyiddin has applied for the temporary return of his passport.

Azura previously released the Bersatu president’s passport to enable him to go on a family holiday to London and for a medical check-up in Singapore.

This time, Muhyiddin is seeking to travel to Bangkok to attend the opening ceremony of Phrigkiao, a restaurant run by a Malaysian there.

“This person is close to me and has opened a halal food outlet there. He wants me to be present at the ceremony,” he said in his affidavit in support of the application.

The application was filed by Messrs Chetan Jethwani & Company on Jan 31.

Muhyiddin, who faces three money laundering charges involving RM200 million in funds linked to the Jana Wibawa programme, said he intends to depart for Bangkok on Feb 15 and return on Feb 21.

He said he would return the passport to the court on Feb 23. Apart from going to the restaurant, Muhyiddin said his trip would also include meeting with friends in Bangkok and other parts of Thailand.

“Since being charged, I have been unable to meet them,” he said.

However, the prosecution objected to the application as there are court proceedings on Feb 15.