PERIKATAN Nasional (PN) chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin has been questioned by the police for the second time regarding speeches he delivered during recent by-election campaigns held on Sept 9.
Bukit Aman criminal investigation department chief Datuk Seri Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain confirmed the latest interrogation of the former prime minister (PM).
The focus of this latest inquiry centers on a speech Muhyiddin delivered in the Simpang Jeram constituency on Sept 3. In this speech, he allegedly asserted that Malays had lost political power and control over the federal government, according to Malay daily Sinar Harian.
Earlier on Sept 12, the police recorded Muhyiddin’s statement regarding another speech given on the same day in the Pulai constituency, where another by-election campaign was underway. During this speech, Muhyiddin declared it was haram (forbidden) to vote for Pakatan Harapan (PH).
The investigation into this speech falls under Section 505 of the Penal Code, which deals with “statements conducing to public mischief,” and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, concerning the abuse of network facilities.
Moreover, the Pagoh MP is not the only political figure facing such inquiries. PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang and former (PM) Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad are also under investigation for speeches touching on sensitive topics related to “3R”—race, royalty and religion.
Muhyiddin’s political opponents have accused him of exploiting religion for political purposes.
However, he later clarified that his critics had taken his speech out of context and that he recognised he held no authority to issue religious edicts. He argued that his speech had encouraged voters not to support PH due to concerns about the rising cost of living. – Sept 21, 2023
