We are a constitutional monarchy, rights lawyers tell govt as cops investigate Muhyiddin for sedition
“This is fundamentally contrary to democratic governance”
(MalaysiaNow) – Lawyers for Liberty also reminds the PH coalition of how they opposed a sedition charge against Karpal Singh for questioning the Perak sultan on a similar issue.
Vocal rights group Lawyers for Liberty (LFL) has condemned the latest use of the Sedition Act following the police’s move to question Perikatan Nasional chairman Muhyiddin Yassin over a speech in which he questioned former Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s decision not to appoint him as prime minister despite having the support of the majority of MPs.
LFL director Zaid Malek reminded the government that the Agong is a constitutional monarch and that he is not “above scrutiny or public discussion” in carrying out his constitutional duty to appoint the prime minister”.
He accused the Pakatan Harapan-led government of going “to the opposite extreme” by blocking any scrutiny of discharging the Agong’s constitutional powers.
“This is fundamentally contrary to democratic governance,” he said.
“The role and duties of the Agong are governed by the Federal Constitution and determination of compliance with the constitution requires scrutiny of the Agong’s actions. This can never be an offence, and neither is it ‘derhaka’ (treason) as claimed by some irresponsible politicians on the government side.”
