Former finance minister Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz is set to testify as the 11th prosecution witness in the graft and money laundering trial of former prime minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, beginning July 6, 2026 [1, 2, 3, 4].
The trial is overseen by High Court Judge Noor Ruwena Md Nurdin, who expressed frustration over delays and ordered the prosecution to submit Tengku Zafrul's witness statement by June 19, warning, "I do not want to hear any more excuses of the witness statement being handed only on July 6, or any other reason. ... This court does not want to see the case stutter, as this case should be given priority" [1]. The court has previously faced scheduling difficulties, including delays from witnesses taking early Hari Raya Haji holidays [1].
Muhyiddin, the 79-year-old Pagoh Member of Parliament and president of Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu), faces four charges of abuse of power involving alleged gratification and bribes ranging between RM225.3 million and RM232.5 million, depending on source [2, 3, 4]. He also faces three counts of money laundering involving sums between RM195 million and RM200 million [2, 3, 4].
The trial resumed on May 25, 2026, with Muhyiddin described as calm and present in court [3, 4]. Judge Noor Ruwena commented, "I think Tan Sri (Muhyiddin) also wants this case to be completed, otherwise it is difficult for him to move around" [4]. The prosecution phase is expected to close by September 14, 2026, after which legal submissions will be heard [1, 3, 4].
About 20 prosecution witnesses are anticipated in total, including Tengku Zafrul [1, 4]. The court’s firm stance on scheduling aims to avoid further delays as the trial proceeds through the summer and into early fall.
