Muhyiddin Yassin Faces Sedition Charges

Malaysia's former Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin has been charged with sedition for allegedly insulting the former king, Sultan Abdullah Ahmad Shah, during a campaign speech. The charges stem from remarks made during the Nenggiri by-election, where Muhyiddin questioned the king's decision to appoint Anwar Ibrahim as prime minister despite his own claims of having a parliamentary majority. Muhyiddin is the first former Malaysian leader to face charges under the colonial-era Sedition Act, which could result in a fine, imprisonment, or both. He has defended his statements as factual and not intended to insult the monarchy. The case highlights the sensitivity surrounding Malaysia's royal institution and the legal risks of criticizing it.