Former Malaysian PM Muhyiddin Yassin charged with sedition

Opposition head allegedly criticized country's ex-king during election campaign

Malaysian opposition leader and former premier Muhyiddin Yassin gestures as he arrives at the Gua Musang Sessions Court in Gua Musang, Malaysia, on Aug. 27. © Reuters

NORMAN GOH, Nikkei staff writer

August 27, 2024 13:11 JST

KUALA LUMPUR -- Former Malaysian Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin was charged by prosecutors with sedition Tuesday, following remarks he made during a recent by-election campaign allegedly criticizing the country's former king, Sultan Abdullah of Pahang.

Muhyiddin, 77, served as Malaysia's eighth prime minister from March 2020 to August 2021. He is president of the Bersatu party and chairman of the opposition coalition Perikatan Nasional.