Former Malaysian Politician Muhyiddin Faces Sedition Charges For Mocking Former Monarch

Former Malaysian Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin was charged with sedition for reportedly doubting the integrity of the country’s previous ruler. He pleaded not guilty in a courtroom in northeast Kelantan state, where the charges were filed during a by-election campaign.

The monarchy plays a largely ceremonial role

Malaysia’s rotating monarchy, which began with Malaysia’s independence from Britain in 1957, saw nine ethnic Malay state rulers take turns as king for five-year terms. The monarchy serves primarily ceremonial functions, but is respected by the majority of the country’s Muslims.

In an Aug. 14 speech, Muhyiddin questioned why King Sultan Abdullah did not call him to become prime minister following a hung Parliament in November 2022. He claimed to have the majority of lawmakers’ backing. 

Muhyiddin’s Islamic nationalist group garnered more support from Malays, who account for two-thirds of Malaysia’s 34 million inhabitants. After receiving backing from rival parties, Sultan Abdullah selected Anwar Ibrahim as Prime Minister.

Sultan Abdullah of central Pahang state, who stepped down on January 30 this year, made no remark on the case. However, his son strongly rebuked Muhyiddin, claiming that his words were harmful and may split the people and weaken the royal institution.

Muhyiddin was questioned by police following complaints 

Police questioned Muhyiddin after receiving allegations against him. He claimed that his statements were factual and that 115 members of the 222-member parliament had sworn an oath of support for him. He had denied disrespecting the royalty.

Lawyers for Liberty criticizes the use of the colonial-era Sedition Act against Muhyiddin, stating that questioning or criticizing the king’s constitutional power isn’t seditious. 

The law, introduced by the British in 1948, criminalizes speech or actions with an undefined seditious tendency, including promoting hatred or racial discord.

The king is not a feudal lord; rather, he is a constitutional monarch. As a result, his use of authority is subject to discussion, critique, and questioning. According to Zaid, this is the fundamental basis of our constitutional monarchy system. He said that Anwar had reneged on his promise to abolish the Sedition Act, which has long been used to silence dissident voices.

Former leader Muhyiddin, 77, faces up to three years in prison or a fine if found guilty of corruption and money-laundering charges. 

He is the second former leader charged with crimes after ex-Prime Minister Najib Razak, who began a 12-year prison term in 2022 and is currently facing multiple graft trials.

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