Former Malaysian Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin accused of insulting the King

Jakarta –

Former Prime Minister (PM) Malaysia Muhyiddin Yasin accused of sedition over his statements about the former king of the country.

Reported by the news agency AFPOn Tuesday (27/8/2024), Yassin’s lawyer told reporters outside the court held on Tuesday (27/8), Yassin pleaded not guilty to the charges. Supporters of the 77-year-old politician cheered when they heard Yassin’s innocent confession.

Malaysia is a constitutional monarchy, with a unique arrangement that sees the throne change hands every five years between the rulers of Malaysia’s nine states, led by Islamic royals.

The accusation of sedition comes from a speech given by Muhyiddin before this month’s by-election. At the time he questioned the king’s decision in 2022 to appoint a rival as prime minister after a highly contested general election.

The statement was seen as an insult to Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah, who ruled from 2019 to January this year.

At that time, Anwar Ibrahim was appointed prime minister by the king after the 2022 general election because he was able to form a coalition.

Although largely ceremonial, the position of king is highly respected in the Muslim-majority country. In recent years, the king has become increasingly important in providing political stability.

A charge of defamation of the royal family can be made based on the colonial era sedition law. Those found guilty face fines and prison terms of up to three years.

The court has set Muhyiddin’s next trial on November 4, his lawyer said.

(eng/ita)