The Malaysia police’s investigation into former Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin’s comments has been handed over to the Attorney-General’s Chambers for further action. This probe stemmed from remarks made by Muhyiddin questioning the formation of the current government, reportedly touching upon royal sensitivities. Inspector-General of Police Razarudin Husain stated that 66 individuals had their statements taken, including Muhyiddin, who has submitted his statement for review as well.
Several police reports were lodged against Muhyiddin, including one from the Pahang Palace, regarding his comments about the king’s role in forming the government after the 15th General Election in November 2022. The former king during that period, Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, had stepped down earlier this year under Malaysia’s rotational monarchy system. Investigations into Muhyiddin are being conducted under various laws, including the Sedition Act and the Communications and Multimedia Act.
A clip of Muhyiddin’s speech in Kelantan where he questioned the formation of the current unity government following GE15 went viral. Pahang Crown Prince Tengku Hassanal Ibrahim Alam Shah urged the police to take action against Muhyiddin for remarks that he believed undermined trust in the Malay royal institution. Muhyiddin, on the other hand, stated in a Facebook post after his police questioning that he had no intention of insulting the royal institution and reiterated his loyalty to the monarchy as an ordinary citizen.
Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil commented on Muhyiddin’s situation, suggesting that his party, Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu), has been negatively affected. Fahmi mentioned witnessing Muhyiddin’s speech on a PAS party channel on TikTok, implying that PAS bears some responsibility for broadcasting the remarks. PAS is a component party of the opposition coalition Perikatan Nasional (PN), alongside Bersatu and Parti Gerakan Rakyat Malaysia (Gerakan). Additionally, Lawyers for Liberty called on the government to cease its investigation into Muhyiddin under the Sedition Act, arguing that in a democracy, discussion and criticism of constitutional duties should be allowed, as the king is a constitutional monarch.
Overall, the investigation into Muhyiddin Yassin’s comments questioning the government’s formation has sparked controversy and legal scrutiny in Malaysia. With multiple police reports lodged and investigations underway, the former prime minister’s statements have prompted responses from political figures and rights advocates. The impact on Muhyiddin’s party and the calls to end the investigation under the Sedition Act highlight the sensitive nature of discussions around the monarchy and government formation in the country. As the probe progresses, the outcome will likely have broader implications for freedom of speech and constitutional discussions in Malaysia.
