KUALALUMPUR, Malaysia: Former Malaysian Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin was charged with sedition on Tuesday over remarks concerning the country’s former king, Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah.
The 77-year-old politician pleaded not guilty in a court in Gua Musang, according to his lawyer.
The charge stems from a speech Muhyiddin made before recent by-elections, where he questioned the monarch’s 2022 decision to appoint his rival, Anwar Ibrahim, as prime minister following tightly contested elections.
Malaysia, a constitutional monarchy, holds its royal figurehead in high regard, and any perceived affront to the monarchy can result in prosecution under the Sedition Act, a colonial-era law.
Those found guilty could face a fine or a prison term of up to three years. Muhyiddin’s next court hearing is scheduled for November 4.
