Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has urged that the prosecution of Perikatan Nasional (PN) chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin under the Sedition Act should not be exploited for political purposes. He clarified that the sedition charge against Muhyiddin was initiated by a report directly lodged by the Pahang palace, not the government.
“The report came from the Pahang palace,” Anwar stated. “So, Muhyiddin should not twist the facts or politicize the situation. He crossed the line and broke the law, so now he must face the consequences. The police received the report and acted accordingly, with even the Inspector-General of Police following up on it,” he told reporters today.
Anwar’s comments were made in response to accusations by Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin, who had criticized him and other Pakatan Harapan (PH) leaders for allegedly being hypocritical in their use of the Sedition Act against Muhyiddin. Hamzah, who is also the Bersatu secretary-general, had alleged in a Facebook post that Anwar and the PH government had repeatedly used the Sedition Act to suppress their political opponents since coming into power.
Muhyiddin, the former Prime Minister, recently pleaded not guilty in the Gua Musang Sessions Court to charges of making seditious statements during a campaign event for the Nenggiri by-election in Kelantan on August 14. The charges stem from remarks allegedly made by Muhyiddin that were deemed to have crossed the boundaries of free speech, inciting sentiments related to race, religion, and royalty — known in Malaysia as “3R” issues.
Anwar emphasized that the case against Muhyiddin is not about political persecution but about upholding the law, noting that no one, regardless of their political standing, is above the law. He urged all parties to refrain from using this legal matter to fuel political tensions or score political points.
Anwar's remarks underscore his administration's stance on ensuring that the Sedition Act is applied fairly and without bias. He rejected claims that his government has been using the law selectively against political opponents, pointing out that the authorities are simply responding to reports and following due process.
The ongoing case against Muhyiddin has sparked a significant debate in Malaysia, with some viewing it as a necessary measure to maintain social order and respect for the nation’s institutions, while others see it as a politically motivated move. As the legal proceedings continue, both sides remain firm in their positions, with the government advocating for lawful conduct and the opposition calling for what they see as the fair treatment of political figures.
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