Judge Azura Alwi granted the request, which was not opposed by deputy public prosecutor Noralis Mat, Utusan Malaysia reported.

Muhyiddin’s lawyer, Kee Wei Lon, had earlier requested that his client’s passport be returned from today until May 20.

“We also wish to impose an additional condition by allowing the applicant or his lawyers to obtain and return the passport,” Kee was quoted as saying.

This is the Perikatan Nasional chairman’s sixth successful application for permission to travel abroad since he was charged in March 2023.

Muhyiddin, the Bersatu president, was charged with 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, 2023, 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, 2024 however, 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.