Muhyiddin faces sedition charges today

Perikatan Nasional chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin has arrived at the Gua Musang Sessions Court today to face charges under the Sedition Act.

The Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia president arrived at the court complex here at 8.43am and was accompanied by several party top leaders including Bersatu secretary-general Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainuddin and vice-president Datuk Dr Radzi Jidin.

The Pagoh member of Parliament is expected to be charged under Section 4(1) of the Sedition Act for allegedly raising sensitive issues related to race, religion, and royalty in his speech during the campaigning for the Nenggiri state seat by-election early this month.

He is the first former prime minister to be charged for sedition.

He was probed under Section 4(1) of the Sedition Act, Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, and Section 504 of the Penal Code.

A team of seven lawyers are defending him.

Muhyiddin pleaded not guilty when the charge was read to him before judge Nik Tarmizie Nik Shukri.

Pas leaders were notably absent even though Muhyiddin was charged in Pas led Kelantan.

The prosecution initially called for his bail application to be set at RM20,000 with a gag order.

Nik Tarmizie however set bail at RM5,000 and rejected the gag order after hearing arguments from the defence team.

The next case mention is on Nov 4.