Former Malaysian Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin has been charged with sedition in connection with comments he made about the country’s former monarch, Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah. The 77-year-old politician appeared in court in Gua Musang on August 26, where he pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The sedition charge relates to remarks Muhyiddin made during a speech leading up to recent by-elections. In his speech, Muhyiddin criticized the decision of Sultan Abdullah to appoint his political rival, Anwar Ibrahim, as Prime Minister in 2022. The appointment of Anwar was pivotal in forming a coalition government following a contentious election.
Malaysia’s political system operates under a constitutional monarchy where the king's role is largely ceremonial, but the institution holds substantial respect in the predominantly Muslim nation. The monarchy's influence has been significant in maintaining political stability, and comments about the royal family are treated with great sensitivity.
Muhyiddin, who now leads the opposition, faced support from his followers outside the courthouse following his plea. The sedition charge is brought under Malaysia's Sedition Act, a colonial-era law that can result in a fine or up to three years in prison for those convicted of undermining the monarchy.
The Gua Musang court has set the next hearing date for November 4, where further proceedings will be conducted.
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