Revelations that former prime minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin’s fugitive son-in-law, Datuk Seri Muhammad Adlan Berhan, is living a life of luxury in the Middle East have reignited public outrage and political tension.
During yesterday’s Dewan Rakyat sitting, Kota Melaka MP Khoo Poay Tiong confronted Muhyiddin while he was debating the 2026 Supply Bill, questioning how Adlan could continue living freely abroad despite being wanted for corruption-related charges.
“On poverty, Pagoh — what about your son-in-law, living in luxury in the Middle East, playing golf while facing graft charges?” Khoo asked, brandishing a copy of the New Straits Times (NST), which had broken the story about Adlan’s whereabouts.
His remarks immediately sparked anger from opposition MPs, with the Speaker instructing Khoo to sit down as Muhyiddin had not yielded the floor. Later, Khoo held a press conference urging an emergency motion to discuss efforts to locate and extradite Adlan.
“If NST can find him, why can’t Interpol?” Khoo questioned. “He’s playing golf, meeting dignitaries — acting as if he’s untouchable. This makes a mockery of the law.”
Khoo also demanded transparency from the authorities, asking when Adlan’s passport was revoked and what actions Wisma Putra has taken to bring him home.
Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail confirmed that Adlan’s passport had indeed been cancelled, but Khoo pressed further: “If he has nothing to hide, why won’t he return to clear his name?”
According to NST’s investigation, Adlan, 49, has been on the run for over two years and is believed to be residing in a Middle Eastern country that has no extradition treaty with Malaysia. Photos show him mingling with Middle Eastern dignitaries, while sources claim he frequently travels to Thailand for golf and shooting events.
Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail confirmed that an arrest warrant had been issued for Adlan and that Malaysian police were still awaiting updates from Interpol on the Red Notice application submitted by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).
Adlan reportedly left for New Zealand on May 17, 2023, shortly after his father-in-law was charged with multiple corruption offences. His lawyer, Mansoor Saat, 70, fled to Jakarta four days later and has also been on the run.
Both men are wanted for their alleged involvement in the National Enforcement and Registration System (NERS) scandal — a RM595 million biometric security project. Investigations revealed that nearly RM50 million meant for sukuk repayments was misappropriated, funds which were supposed to come from temporary work visit pass collections.
MACC has linked Adlan and Mansoor to criminal breach of trust (CBT) offences under Section 409 of the Penal Code, although both have denied any wrongdoing through their legal representatives.
As public pressure mounts, Malaysians are demanding answers — and accountability — from both the authorities and the former prime minister himself.
