PUTRAJAYA: Several sedition cases involving politicians that were brought to court were based not on government reports but on police reports filed by representatives from the palace.
Citing the sedition charges involving Perikatan Nasional chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi, Fahmi said that in their cases, police reports were lodged by representatives from the Pahang and Selangor palaces, respectively.
"There are still allegations and claims linking the government to the issue, particularly involving Muhyiddin.
"In today's cabinet meeting, we were reminded that several sedition cases, especially those involving the Pagoh member of parliament (Muhyiddin) were based not on government reports but on police reports filed by representatives of the Pahang palace.
"It was not the government that brought these cases to the court. The investigation was conducted by the police, and the prosecution was based on their findings," he said at his weekly press conference today.
He said all parties were reminded to avoid raising issues related to race, religion, and the royal institution (3R).
On Monday, Bersatu deputy president Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu had said that there was no basis for charging Muhyiddin, arguing that the former prime minister's speech merely presented facts and was not intended to provoke.
Yesterday, Muhyiddin was charged under the Sedition Act at the Sessions Court in Gua Musang, for allegedly raising sensitive issues related to race, religion and royalty in his speech during campaigning for the Nenggiri state seat by-election recently.
The former prime minister pleaded not guilty when the charges were read to him before Judge Nik Mohd Tarmizie Nik Mohd Shukri.
Fahmi said unlike MPs, politicians or members of the public, the Malay rulers did not have forums to respond to allegations or engage in debates.
"Therefore, from the government's perspective, it is essential to ensure that the royal institution is being protected.
"In this regard, laws such as the Sedition Act can play a role in upholding this function," he said.