Judge Azura Alwi said the Bersatu president could still go on holiday within the country, Berita Harian reported.

Muhyiddin, who is also the Perikatan Nasional chairman, had sought the release of his passport from Oct 4 to 14 so that he could go to Uzbekistan with his wife for a “short break”.

Earlier, his lawyer, Hisyam Teh Poh Teik, said Muhyiddin was not a flight risk as his family members were in Malaysia.

He said Muhyiddin had never failed to show up in court and had fully cooperated with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission in its investigations against him.

Deputy public prosecutor Noralis Mat objected to the application, saying it was unreasonable and trivial.

“The applicant’s reasoning for the holiday was that he was stressed with the court charges, was very tired, and needed a holiday abroad with his family.

“This is a trivial reason. Holidays and celebrations of anniversaries can be done in Malaysia,” said Noralis.

Muhyiddin is accused of abusing his power as prime minister between Feb 8 and Aug 20, 2021 in connection with the Jana Wibawa programme by seeking to obtain RM232.5 million for his party.

On Aug 15, Justice Jamil Hussin allowed Muhyiddin’s application to strike out the charges and used his inherent powers to acquit the former prime minister.

On Feb 28, a three-member Court of Appeal bench allowed the prosecution’s appeal and ruled that the High Court had erred in law in holding that the charges were defective.

Muhyiddin also faces three counts of money laundering involving RM200 million which are likewise before the sessions court.

He previously had four successful applications for the release of his passport to travel abroad since he was charged in March last year.