Kuala Lumpur: Former Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin’s application to refer legal questions regarding the Sedition Act 1948 to the Federal Court is set to be heard before another judge. This follows a decision by High Court Judge Datuk Azhar Abdul Hamid, who approved the application by defence lawyer Amer Hamzah Arshad for the legal questions to be considered before Criminal High Court 4 Judge Datuk Muhammad Jamil Hussin.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Amer Hamzah, representing Muhyiddin, argued that the legal questions emerged from the sedition case involving his client. He stated that the sedition case is the primary matter and has been scheduled for trial at the Criminal High Court 4. Relevant documents have already been submitted to the court. Amer Hamzah emphasized the importance of having the application heard by the judge handling the main case, Judge Datuk Muhammad Jamil.

The application faced no objection from Deputy Public Prosecutor Abdul Malik Ayob. The case stems from an application filed by Muhyiddin on April 4 to refer a legal question concerning the Sedition Act 1948 to the Federal Court, challenging certain provisions within the act.

Muhyiddin, 77, had previously entered a not guilty plea to a charge of making seditious remarks during a campaign for the Nenggiri state by-election at the Dewan Semai Bakti Felda Perasu, which occurred between 10.30 pm and 11.50 pm on August 14, 2024. The remarks in question involved a claim that he was not invited by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong to be sworn in as Prime Minister following the 15th General Election, despite allegedly having the backing of 115 out of 222 Members of Parliament.

The charge against Muhyiddin falls under Section 4(1)(b) of the Sedition Act 1948, which, upon conviction, carries a penalty of a maximum fine of RM5,000 or a maximum imprisonment of three years, or both.