3R issue: Cops to probe Muhyiddin for issuing another 'fatwa'

The police have opened an investigation paper against Perikatan Nasional chairperson Muhyiddin Yassin for allegedly touching on 3R - religion, race, and royalty - issues during a recent campaign for the Kemaman by-election.

Bernama quoted Deputy Inspector-General of Police Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay saying the probe was launched after a police report was lodged against Muhyiddin yesterday.

Speaking at a press conference in Chukai, Kemaman today, Ayob Khan said the investigation was conducted under Section 4(A) of the Election Offences Act 1954 for promoting feelings of ill-will or hostility.

On Nov 27, Muhyiddin allegedly issued a fatwa (religious edict) to urge Umno members to leave the party.

According to a report by Utusan Malaysia, the former prime minister reportedly said those who hijrah (migrate) would be rewarded.

He was also quoted as saying that Umno members must do so because the Malay nationalist party has been destroyed by the actions of its president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

Not the first time

This is not the first time Muhyiddin is to be investigated for issuing a fatwa.

In September, he was probed for a controversial fatwa speech saying it was haram to vote for a Pakatan Harapan candidate during the Pulai by-election campaign.

According to Sinar Harian, the speech in question was delivered in Simpang Jeram on Sept 3 where Muhyiddin allegedly said Malays have lost political power and control of the federal government.

That speech was being investigated under Section 505 of the Penal Code for “statements conducing to public mischief” and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 for abusing network facilities.

Muhyiddin’s opponents accused him of abusing religion for political purposes.

The Bersatu president later clarified that critics took his speech out of context and that he was fully aware he was in no position to issue a religious edict.

Muhyiddin argued that he urged voters not to support Harapan because of the rising cost of living.

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