Opposition leader and former Malaysian Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin faces sedition-like charges for allegedly insulting the country's former king during a political speech.
Muhyiddin Yassin served as Malaysia's Prime Minister from 2020 to 2021 and leads the country's conservative, Malay-centered opposition bloc. However, he has denied the allegations.
In Malaysia, the monarchy is a ceremonial position but is held in high respect. Insulting the monarchy can lead to sedition charges under a colonial-era law.
Malaysia's monarchy is unique, with members of the royal families from nine states taking turns on the throne every five years.
Last year, former Prime Minister Muhyiddin faced corruption and money laundering charges, which he claimed were politically motivated.
The prosecution alleges that Muhyiddin Yassin questioned why the former king, Sultan Abdullah, did not invite him to take the oath of office as Prime Minister after the 2022 general elections, despite the parliament being hung and his considerable support from lawmakers.
It is noted that Sultan Abdullah, who stepped down from his five-year term in January, appointed Anwar Ibrahim as Prime Minister in November 2022 after Ibrahim secured support from rival parties to form a coalition government.
During a by-election campaign in the northeastern state of Kelantan, Muhyiddin made remarks about the king, which the prosecution views as damaging to the former king's reputation.
However, Sultan Abdullah has not publicly commented on Muhyiddin's alleged remarks, though his son stated that the comments were dangerous and undermined trust in the monarchy.
According to Muhyiddin’s lawyer, if convicted, he could face up to three years in prison and a fine of up to 5,000 ringgit (about $1,148).
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