Former Malaysian PM Muhyiddin Yassin Charged with Sedition

Former Malaysian Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin was charged with sedition for allegedly questioning the integrity of the country's previous king during a speech in August. Muhyiddin, who served from March 2020 to August 2021, pleaded not guilty. His comments were made during a by-election campaign in Kelantan.

Former Malaysian Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin faced sedition charges on Tuesday due to a speech he delivered, which purportedly questioned the integrity of Malaysia's former king.

Muhyiddin, who steered the nation from March 2020 to August 2021, entered a plea of not guilty in a court located in Kelantan state. As per the charge sheet, the contentious comments were made during a by-election campaign last month.

In his August 14 speech, Muhyiddin questioned why then-King Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah did not invite him to be prime minister, despite his claims of majority lawmaker support after a hung Parliament in November 2022. The royal institution's role is largely ceremonial but holds symbolic respect among the nation's Muslims. Sultan Abdullah's son condemned Muhyiddin's remarks, labeling them as potentially divisive. Muhyiddin has refuted any notion that he insulted the monarchy, insisting his statements were factual.

(With inputs from agencies.)