'PMX's directing MCMC to probe Muhyiddin's denial of backing RON95 subsidies for foreigners blatant abuse of power'

Focus Malaysia

2 days ago

PAS has cried foul over an open statement by the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) instructing the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to investigate Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin's denial regarding allegations that he defended foreigners to receive fuel subsidies.
Its information chief Fadhli Shaari has described such action against the Perikatan Nasional (PN) chairman as 'a serious abuse of executive power' that entails political interference in an enforcement body that is supposed to act independently and professionally.
'TS Muhyiddin's denial doesn't constitute any element of threat, insult or improper communication that can be imposed under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998,' countered the Pasir Mas MP in a Facebook post.
'This section only applies to the dissemination of obscene, false content that is offensive, threatening or harassing and doesn't cover denials of political statements raised in the Dewan Rakyat.'
Moreover, Fadhli argued that instructing the MCMC to investigate a denial statement of a political nature could be interpreted as 'an abuse of office to obtain political advantage and suppress an opponent'.
'This could potentially fall under the scope of Section 23 of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2009 which provides for the offence of using public office or position to obtain a bribe or benefit.'
The PAS lawmaker further contended that 'MCMC is not an executive tool', hence cannot be arbitrarily directed.
'According to Section 4(2) of the MCMC Act 1998, the MCMC shall exercise its functions independently and not be subject to instructions from any party except as expressly provided in law,' justified Fadhli.
'Therefore, oral or public instructions by the Prime Minister (PM) to the MCMC on matters that touch on personal political disputes are inappropriate and contrary to the spirit of institutional independence.'
Above all else, the PM's latest action can be seen as violating Bersatu president's rights as a citizen guaranteed by Article 10(1)(a) of the Federal Constitution, namely the right to freedom of expression.
'In fact, Article 8(1) guarantees that all persons are equal before the law and are entitled to fair protection,' stressed Fadhli.
'When government agencies are used to investigate individuals for political statements that do not violate the law, then this principle of justice and equality has been violated.'
At the end of the day, Fadhli proposed that the Parliamentary Select Committee (PAC) summons both the MCMC and PMO to provide an explanation on the basis and justification for such directive.
'In fact, if this is not an abuse of power, what other name is more appropriate to describe such action?' wandered the former PAS Youth chief.
'Malaysia is a country of law. Nobody, not even the PM, can arbitrarily use government agencies to silence his political enemies. This action must be questioned and be held accountable.' – Aug 7, 2025