LFL slams 'dictatorial' sedition charge against Muhyiddin

Lawyers for Liberty (LFL) slammed the "dictatorial" sedition charge against Perikatan Nasional chairperson Muhyiddin Yassin.

Its director Zaid Malek said it is not seditious to question or criticise the exercise of constitutional power by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, as the king is not a feudal ruler in a country that practises constitutional monarchy.

"The charge is based on the opposition leader’s statement questioning Agong's exercise of constitutional power in the appointment of the prime minister after the last general election.

"This is a clear failure of Pakatan Harapan and a betrayal of their previous promise to repeal the Sedition Act. Have they forgotten how the late Karpal Singh was branded as 'derhaka' (rebellion) for questioning the Perak sultan in 2008?

"Or how Harapan themselves were accused of disloyalty to the king for questioning the decision to call for an emergency in 2021?" Zaid (above) said in a statement today.

Muhyiddin claimed trial to sedition at the Gua Musang Sessions Court before Judge Nik Mohd Tarmizie Nik Mohd Shukri this morning.

The charge against the Bersatu president was framed under Section 4(1) of the Sedition Act over a speech he gave in Felda Perasu in Kelantan on Aug 14, ahead of the Nenggiri by-election.

Politically motivated campaign

Zaid further said that in a constitutional monarchy, the exercise of a ruler's power can be debated, questioned or even criticised.

"This is the very bedrock of our system of constitutional monarchy. Those who have been agitating for Muhyiddin to be charged are tainting the very basic structure of our constitution by importing into it feudalism.

"Regrettably, Harapan and Umno politicians from the Madani government have been at the forefront of this politically motivated campaign," Zaid lamented, further accusing the said politicians of wielding the same weapons they once deemed oppressive.

According to him, using sedition law to stifle criticism to protect those in power makes a mockery of the Federal Constitution and the rule of law.

Zaid then urged the government, especially Harapan, to refrain from using the Sedition Act, and take immediate steps to repeal it.

"The Act must be put to rest and not be allowed to haunt our nation any longer," he said.

Muhyiddin's speech not meant to provoke, Faizal claims

Analysts expect little political fallout from Muhyiddin's speech controversy

100 throng solidarity rally for Pahang royalty in Kuantan

Muhyiddin's speech: Cops submit probe papers to AGC