KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 3 — Former Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin will submit a representation to drop a charge of uttering seditious words during the 2024 Nenggiri state by-election campaign.
The sedition charge concerns his alleged claim that the Yang di-Pertuan Agong at the time did not invite him to be sworn in as Prime Minister after the 15th General Election, despite purportedly having the support of 115 of 222 MPs.
His lawyer, Datuk Amer Hamzah Arshad, said the defence received a letter from the palace yesterday, after Muhyiddin was granted an audience by Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah.
“Without going into the details, Yang Arif, we wish to inform the court that our client was granted an audience by the palace on Oct 26. We have been made to understand that there are positive developments.
“Subsequently, yesterday, we were handed a letter from the palace. I will not go into the details, but based on that, Yang Arif, we would like to submit a fresh representation to the Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC),” he said during proceedings before High Court Judge Datuk Aslam Zainuddin today.
“We do not wish to jeopardise whatever goodwill has been established by starting the trial, Yang Arif. So I think allow us this latitude, give us a bit of time. We will extend a copy of the letter directly to the AG for his consideration,” he added.
Deputy public prosecutor Azlina Rasdi did not object to the application.
The court then vacated all previously fixed trial dates and set Dec 3 for the parties to update the court on the representation.
On Aug 27, 2024, Muhyiddin, 79, who is also Bersatu president, was charged with uttering seditious words during the Nenggiri state by-election campaign at an open area near Dewan Semai Bakti Felda Perasu in Gua Musang, Kelantan, between 10.30 pm and 11.50 pm on Aug 14, 2024.
The charge was framed under Section 4(1)(b) of the Sedition Act 1948 and is punishable under Subsection 4(1) of the same Act, which carries a maximum fine of RM5,000 or imprisonment of up to three years, or both, upon conviction.
The case was first mentioned at the Gua Musang Sessions Court in Kelantan on Aug 27, 2024, before it was transferred to the Kuala Lumpur High Court for trial following an application by the defence. — Bernama
