Malaysia's Government Charged Ex-Prime Minister for Sedition

Malaysia has charged opposition leader and former Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin with sedition for allegedly insulting the former king. The monarchy, despite being largely ceremonial, is highly respected in Malaysia, and negative remarks about it are prosecutable under a colonial-era Sedition Act.

Malaysia has charged opposition leader and former Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin with sedition for allegedly insulting the country's former king, his lawyer stated on Tuesday.

The monarchy in Malaysia, while largely ceremonial, holds significant respect among the populace. As a result, the Sedition Act, which dates back to the colonial era, is still in use for prosecuting negative remarks about the royalty.

Sedition charges like these highlight the sensitive balance between free speech and respect for traditional institutions in Malaysia.

(With inputs from agencies.)