Judge Azura Alwi granted the request after Muhyiddin’s lawyer, Hisyam Teh Poh Teik, informed the court that his client sought to retrieve his passport from today until January 14 next year, Utusan Malaysia reported.

Hisyam told the court earlier that his client needed to consult a cancer specialist at the Platinum Medical Centre in the UK regarding his pancreatic cancer.

Additionally, Muhyiddin wished to spend time with his grandchildren.

“Recently, my client underwent a positron emission tomography (PET) scan and was informed that his CA19-9 tumor markers showed a slight increase beyond normal levels, which has understandably caused him concern.

“My client has scheduled an appointment with (Dr) Brian Davidson, a highly qualified surgeon in this field, to seek treatment advice and a second opinion during this critical period.

“He has also been informed that his grandchildren are unlikely to return to Malaysia this year or until mid-next year and hopes to spend time with them while in the UK,” Hisyam added.

However, deputy public prosecutors Mahadi Jumaat, Noralis Mat, and Zander Lim objected to the application, arguing that the reasons given by the defence were not urgent in nature.

“This treatment can be conducted in Malaysia, as the country has adequate specialists, consultants, and facilities to treat cancer.

“There is no necessity for the applicant to seek a second opinion abroad, as this is not a rare or extraordinary illness. A second opinion can be obtained locally,” Mahadi said.

The court subsequently allowed Muhyiddin to retrieve his passport temporarily, with the condition that it be returned by Jan 14.

The court also set Jan 16 for a decision on whether to jointly hear Muhyiddin’s four charges of abusing his position and three charges of receiving money from illegal activities.