PETALING JAYA: The government should drop the investigation into Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin under the Sedition Act, says Lawyers for Liberty (LFL).
"In a democracy, the exercise of a constitutional duty of power cannot be beyond discussion or criticism as it must not be forgotten that the King is a constitutional monarch," said LFL director Zaid Malek in a statement on Wednesday (Aug 21).
"The Prime Minister and the government should not condemn Muhyiddin for this nor should they permit the use of the Sedition Act," he added.
Zaid said irrespective of the truth of Muhyiddin's claim, there can be no justification for the use of the Act as the role and duties of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong are governed by the Federal Constitution.
"The compliance with the Constitution requires scrutiny of the King's actions which can never be an offence or 'derhaka' as claimed by certain politicians" added Zaid.
The investigation into Muhyiddin comes as the Pahang police have received almost 30 reports lodged against Muhyiddin who allegedly touched on 3R (race, religion, royalty) topics while campaigning for the Nenggiri state by-election.
On Monday (Aug 19) Tengku Mahkota of Pahang Tengku Hassanal Ibrahim Alam Shah expressed his anger and disappointment, and called for police to take firm action against Muhyiddin.
In response, Muhyiddin defended his statements as factual and said it is not intended to insult the monarchy and does not contain seditious elements.
