MACC prosecution director Wan Shaharuddin Wan Ladin said the action was taken under Section 50(1) of the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act (Amla) 2001.

He said the accounts remain frozen as they are the “subject matter” of investigations and prosecution, and therefore, could not be released until the trial concludes.

“Section 50(1) pertains to the ‘seizure of movable property in financial institutions’ and, in this case, the deputy public prosecutor exercised their authority under the section to instruct the financial institution to freeze the movable property in question until the order is varied or revoked,” he said in a statement.

He said the duration of the freezing order is outlined in Section 52A of the same Act.

“It states that a freezing order issued under this Act ceases to have effect after 12 months if no charges are brought under this Act against the person subject to the order.

“It is clear that this case has led to prosecution, with Muhyiddin Yassin, as Bersatu’s president, charged under Section 4(1)(b) of Amla.

“I urge the public to understand that all actions taken by the authorities in prosecuting this case are based on the provisions of the law, and for those accused, there are avenues to defend themselves and prove their innocence within the legal framework,” he said.

Yesterday, Muhyiddin said Bersatu was considering legal action against MACC and the relevant bank, claiming that the freezing of the party’s accounts constituted an abuse of power as the party had never been charged with any legal offence.

He also said Bersatu’s accounts had been frozen for more than 12 months, and that the party’s lawyers were exploring possible legal remedies.