Malaysia has charged opposition leader and former Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin with sedition for allegedly insulting the country's former king, his lawyer said on Tuesday (August 27).

Takiyuddin Hassan, the lawyer representing Muhyiddin, argued that at the court, decisions cannot be based on assumptions.

“Evidence must be presented to convince the court that the event took place before a request can be made," Takiyuddin added.

Muhyiddin, who led Malaysia for 17 months between 2020 and 2021, was charged at a court in the northeastern state of Kelantan with sedition over remarks made in a political speech this month. He pleaded not guilty, Takiyuddin said.

Malaysia practices a unique form of monarchy, where the country's nine sultans take turns to be king every five years. The monarchy plays a largely ceremonial role and is held in deep respect. Negative remarks about royalty can be prosecuted under a colonial-era Sedition Act.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Malaysia has charged opposition leader and former Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin with sedition for allegedly insulting the country's former king, his lawyer said on Tuesday (August 27).

Malaysia has charged opposition leader and former Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin with sedition for allegedly insulting the country's former king, his lawyer said on Tuesday (August 27). Takiyuddin Hassan, the lawyer representing Muhyiddin, argued that at the court, decisions cannot be based on assumptions. “Evidence must be presented to convince the court that the event took place before a request can be made," Takiyuddin added. Muhyiddin, who led Malaysia for 17 months between 2020 and 2021, was charged at a court in the northeastern state of Kelantan with sedition over remarks made in a political speech this month. He pleaded not guilty, Takiyuddin said. Malaysia practices a unique form of monarchy, where the country's nine sultans take turns to be king every five years. The monarchy plays a largely ceremonial role and is held in deep respect. Negative remarks about royalty can be prosecuted under a colonial-era Sedition Act. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Malaysia charges ex-PM Muhyiddin with sedition over alleged remarks on royalty, lawyer says

Former prime minister of Malaysia Muhyiddin Yassin on Sunday (November 20) was able to secure backing from two political blocs. Recently concluded general election has thrown up a hung parliament. Muhyiddin may be getting support but he has not yet secured required majority.

Muhyiddin, of the Perikatan Nasional coalition, said he had won support from two regional blocs based in the island of Borneo. That would boost his alliance's seat tally from 73 to 101 - still short of the required 112 majority.

"I am confident I will obtain enough support from lawmakers that will enable me to be appointed by the king as Prime Minister," he said, without saying which other parties might back him.

Longtime opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim, whose Pakatan Harapan coalition won the most number of seats in the election with 82, is also racing to win support from other groups.

The inconclusive election saw Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob's Barisan Nasional alliance suffer its worst electoral defeat ever, winning just 30 of the 178 seats it ran for.

It prolongs political uncertainty in the Southeast Asian nation, which has seen three prime ministers in as many years, at a time of slowing economic growth and rising inflation.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Former prime minister of Malaysia Muhyiddin Yassin on Sunday (November 20) was able to secure backing from two political blocs. Recently concluded general election has thrown up a hung parliament.

Former prime minister of Malaysia Muhyiddin Yassin on Sunday (November 20) was able to secure backing from two political blocs. Recently concluded general election has thrown up a hung parliament. Muhyiddin may be getting support but he has not yet secured required majority. Muhyiddin, of the Perikatan Nasional coalition, said he had won support from two regional blocs based in the island of Borneo. That would boost his alliance's seat tally from 73 to 101 - still short of the required 112 majority. "I am confident I will obtain enough support from lawmakers that will enable me to be appointed by the king as Prime Minister," he said, without saying which other parties might back him. Longtime opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim, whose Pakatan Harapan coalition won the most number of seats in the election with 82, is also racing to win support from other groups. The inconclusive election saw Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob's Barisan Nasional alliance suffer its worst electoral defeat ever, winning just 30 of the 178 seats it ran for. It prolongs political uncertainty in the Southeast Asian nation, which has seen three prime ministers in as many years, at a time of slowing economic growth and rising inflation. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Former Malaysia PM Muhyiddin gets backing after indecisive election

As the hunt for a new Prime Minister begins, Malaysia's king on Tuesday urged&nbsp;rival politicians to unite in the battle against coronavirus.

Following the resignation of Muhyiddin Yassin on Monday, analysts say the monarch is trying to nudge the country's political parties toward forming a unity government.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/malaysias-prime-minister-quits-to-take-up-caretaker-role-405981">Malaysia's prime minister quits, to take up caretaker role</a>

As a result of the outbreak, the king, Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah has ruled out elections, which means he will likely choose the next premier himself based on who commands the greatest support.

However, no party has majority support in parliament, making it impossible to choose a successor to Muhyiddin.

Muhyiddin's&nbsp;turbulent 17 months in office finally ended with resignation when he lost his parliamentary majority amid mounting public anger over the way his government handled the worst <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19</a> wave in Malaysia.

The long-time opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim said he and other party leaders met at the palace and the king told them "the country is a facing political and constitutional crisis".

"So we should unite to fight the coronavirus and help bolster the economy."

"By the look of it, all the parties seem to have come to a consensus -- that is to end 'old politics'... and focus on the development of the country," he added.

In addition to some opposition groups supporting Anwar, remnants of Muhyiddin's collapsed government may work together to put together a coalition government, while others have called for a unity government until the outbreak has been controlled.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/malaysias-king-to-meet-party-leaders-as-search-for-new-pm-begins-406282/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

To be a premier, an individual must have the support of at least 111 out of 222 lawmakers in the lower house.

In addition to the monarch, the influential deputy king attended the meeting.&nbsp;

This indicated agreement among&nbsp;Malaysia's revered Islamic royal families "with regards to the proposal for a unity government", said Oh Ei Sun, an analyst at the Singapore Institute of International Affairs.

MPs have also been asked to submit the name of their choice for the prime minister to the palace by Wednesday afternoon, and the drama is expected to take several days to play out.

There has been disarray in Malaysia's political landscape since the elections in 2018, which saw a scandal-plagued coalition ejected from power after 60 years in power, and replaced by a reformist alliance.&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/malaysian-pm-muhyiddin-resigns-after-losing-majority-406061/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

However, that alliance collapsed in March last year, and Muhyiddin went on to become prime minister without an election.&nbsp;

It was, nevertheless, an unstable government, with a razor-thin majority in parliament, and under constant scrutiny for its legitimacy.

(With inputs from agencies)

As the hunt for a new Prime Minister begins, Malaysia's king on Tuesday urged rival politicians to unite in the battle against coronavirus. Following the resignation of Muhyiddin Yassin on Monday, analysts say the monarch is trying to nudge the country's political parties toward forming a unity government.

As the hunt for a new Prime Minister begins, Malaysia's king on Tuesday urged rival politicians to unite in the battle against coronavirus. Following the resignation of Muhyiddin Yassin on Monday, analysts say the monarch is trying to nudge the country's political parties toward forming a unity government. Also read | Malaysia's prime minister quits, to take up caretaker role As a result of the outbreak, the king, Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah has ruled out elections, which means he will likely choose the next premier himself based on who commands the greatest support. However, no party has majority support in parliament, making it impossible to choose a successor to Muhyiddin. Muhyiddin's turbulent 17 months in office finally ended with resignation when he lost his parliamentary majority amid mounting public anger over the way his government handled the worst COVID-19 wave in Malaysia. The long-time opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim said he and other party leaders met at the palace and the king told them "the country is a facing political and constitutional crisis". "So we should unite to fight the coronavirus and help bolster the economy." "By the look of it, all the parties seem to have come to a consensus -- that is to end 'old politics'... and focus on the development of the country," he added. In addition to some opposition groups supporting Anwar, remnants of Muhyiddin's collapsed government may work together to put together a coalition government, while others have called for a unity government until the outbreak has been controlled. To be a premier, an individual must have the support of at least 111 out of 222 lawmakers in the lower house. In addition to the monarch, the influential deputy king attended the meeting. This indicated agreement among Malaysia's revered Islamic royal families "with regards to the proposal for a unity government", said Oh Ei Sun, an analyst at the Singapore Institute of International Affairs. MPs have also been asked to submit the name of their choice for the prime minister to the palace by Wednesday afternoon, and the drama is expected to take several days to play out. There has been disarray in Malaysia's political landscape since the elections in 2018, which saw a scandal-plagued coalition ejected from power after 60 years in power, and replaced by a reformist alliance. However, that alliance collapsed in March last year, and Muhyiddin went on to become prime minister without an election. It was, nevertheless, an unstable government, with a razor-thin majority in parliament, and under constant scrutiny for its legitimacy. (With inputs from agencies)

Malaysia PM hunt: King urges rival politicians to unite, to name leader who has most support

Citing a lack of parliamentary support,&nbsp;Malaysian Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin resigned on Monday. But the leader agreed with the king to remain caretaker premier until a new government is formed.

The development comes as the country is struggling with its deadliest COVID-19&nbsp;outbreak yet.&nbsp;After holding a special meeting with cabinet members,&nbsp;Yassin offered resignation to the king.

His resignation follows months of political instability, which eventually led to the loss of his majority in parliament.&nbsp;

According to the palace, King Al-Sultan Abdullah did not believe an election should be held due to the coronavirus&nbsp;situation, and he was happy for Muhyiddin to stay on as interim leader.&nbsp;

“The king has received the resignation letter of Muhyiddin Yassin and the entire cabinet effective immediately. Following the resignation, the king is pleased for Muhyiddin to fill the role as caretaker prime minister until a new prime minister is appointed,” it said.&nbsp;

Muhyiddin’s government had been precarious ever since he was sworn in around 18 months ago. He was named PM following a flurry of backroom deals organised after the collapse of the then ruling coalition, but with no public mandate.&nbsp;

In recent weeks his razor-thin parliamentary majority has crumbled, despite attempts to win support from opposition MPs. Muhyiddin is facing growing anger over the coronavirus crisis, which has continued to worsen even after restrictions.&nbsp;

In a televised address,&nbsp;Muhyiddin said he had submitted his resignation to the king because he had failed to maintain the confidence of a majority of lawmakers. He hoped a new government would be formed as soon as possible.

(With inputs from agencies)

Citing a lack of parliamentary support, Malaysian Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin resigned on Monday. But the leader agreed with the king to remain caretaker premier until a new government is formed.

Citing a lack of parliamentary support, Malaysian Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin resigned on Monday. But the leader agreed with the king to remain caretaker premier until a new government is formed. The development comes as the country is struggling with its deadliest COVID-19 outbreak yet. After holding a special meeting with cabinet members, Yassin offered resignation to the king. His resignation follows months of political instability, which eventually led to the loss of his majority in parliament. According to the palace, King Al-Sultan Abdullah did not believe an election should be held due to the coronavirus situation, and he was happy for Muhyiddin to stay on as interim leader. “The king has received the resignation letter of Muhyiddin Yassin and the entire cabinet effective immediately. Following the resignation, the king is pleased for Muhyiddin to fill the role as caretaker prime minister until a new prime minister is appointed,” it said. Muhyiddin’s government had been precarious ever since he was sworn in around 18 months ago. He was named PM following a flurry of backroom deals organised after the collapse of the then ruling coalition, but with no public mandate. In recent weeks his razor-thin parliamentary majority has crumbled, despite attempts to win support from opposition MPs. Muhyiddin is facing growing anger over the coronavirus crisis, which has continued to worsen even after restrictions. In a televised address, Muhyiddin said he had submitted his resignation to the king because he had failed to maintain the confidence of a majority of lawmakers. He hoped a new government would be formed as soon as possible. (With inputs from agencies)

Malaysia's prime minister quits, to take up caretaker role

The largest party in&nbsp;Malaysia's ruling coalition declared its support for Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin, providing some respite for the premier who has faced calls to resign after a failed bid to impose a state of emergency.

Muhyiddin, who has a razor-thin majority in parliament, is under pressure from unhappy coalition partners who have demanded more powerful positions amid a resurgence in coronavirus cases and a pandemic-battered economy.

Calls for him to resign grew after the king on Sunday rejected his request for him to declare emergency rule amid a leadership challenge. Critics have accused the premier of using the pandemic as a pretext to suspend parliament and avoid a test of his majority.

The United Malays National Organisation (UMNO) party, which had earlier this month threatened to withdraw support for Muhyiddin, said it will now back him as the time has come for national reconciliation between political parties to ensure political stability and to focus efforts on managing the pandemic.

UMNO also said it will not work with opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim's party, rejecting a proposal by former&nbsp;Malaysian premier and now-ruling party lawmaker Najib Razak.

Last month, Anwar declared that he had secured majority support from federal lawmakers to form a new government, sparking the political crisis.

In a Monday meeting of the former ruling Barisan Nasional coalition led by UMNO, Najib asked lawmakers in the alliance to endorse Anwar, three sources familiar with the matter said.

Najib's backing of Anwar marks a striking turnaround in their relationship. Anwar was one of the key leaders in a coalition that defeated Najib in a historic election in 2018.

Muhyiddin has maintained a tenuous alliance with UMNO, whose backing was key in his bid to secure the premiership in March after a bout of political wrangling led to the collapse of the administration led by veteran politician Mahathir Mohamad.

Leaders in UMNO, which had led the country for over 60 years until its defeat in a 2018 election, have balked at playing second fiddle to Muhyiddin's party. Some of UMNO's corruption-tainted leaders, including Najib, have been trying to revive their political fortunes.

The largest party in Malaysia's ruling coalition declared its support for Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin, providing some respite for the premier who has faced calls to resign after a failed bid to impose a state of emergency.

The largest party in Malaysia's ruling coalition declared its support for Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin, providing some respite for the premier who has faced calls to resign after a failed bid to impose a state of emergency. Muhyiddin, who has a razor-thin majority in parliament, is under pressure from unhappy coalition partners who have demanded more powerful positions amid a resurgence in coronavirus cases and a pandemic-battered economy. Calls for him to resign grew after the king on Sunday rejected his request for him to declare emergency rule amid a leadership challenge. Critics have accused the premier of using the pandemic as a pretext to suspend parliament and avoid a test of his majority. The United Malays National Organisation (UMNO) party, which had earlier this month threatened to withdraw support for Muhyiddin, said it will now back him as the time has come for national reconciliation between political parties to ensure political stability and to focus efforts on managing the pandemic. UMNO also said it will not work with opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim's party, rejecting a proposal by former Malaysian premier and now-ruling party lawmaker Najib Razak. Last month, Anwar declared that he had secured majority support from federal lawmakers to form a new government, sparking the political crisis. In a Monday meeting of the former ruling Barisan Nasional coalition led by UMNO, Najib asked lawmakers in the alliance to endorse Anwar, three sources familiar with the matter said. Najib's backing of Anwar marks a striking turnaround in their relationship. Anwar was one of the key leaders in a coalition that defeated Najib in a historic election in 2018. Muhyiddin has maintained a tenuous alliance with UMNO, whose backing was key in his bid to secure the premiership in March after a bout of political wrangling led to the collapse of the administration led by veteran politician Mahathir Mohamad. Leaders in UMNO, which had led the country for over 60 years until its defeat in a 2018 election, have balked at playing second fiddle to Muhyiddin's party. Some of UMNO's corruption-tainted leaders, including Najib, have been trying to revive their political fortunes.

Malaysia's PM Muhyiddin gets reprieve from key ally in political crisis

Malaysia's King Al-Sultan Abdullah rejected a request by Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin for him to declare a state of emergency in response to the coronavirus crisis.

WION Dispatch: Malaysian King rejects PM Muhyiddin's plea to declare emergency

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