Sanusi pleads not guilty to charges under Sedition Act

Caretaker Kedah mentri besar Sanusi Md Nor arriving at the Selayang Court Complex. — FAIHAN GHANI/ The Star

SELAYANG: Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor claimed trial at the Sessions Courts here on Tuesday (July 18) to two counts of sedition under the Sedition Act 1948 over a political speech on July 11.

For the first charge, the caretaker Kedah mentri besar is accused of uttering a seditious statement that could incite disloyalty to the Rulers.

Police personnel checking on visitors to the Selayang Court Complex ahead of Sanusi's arrival.

The offence was allegedly committed at Simpang 4, Taman Selayang Mutiara, at 11pm on July 11.

The impugned statement referred to Muhammad Sanusi's political speech that touched on the Royal Institution.

The charge under Section 4(1)(a) of the Sedition Act 1948 carries a maximum fine of RM5,000 or imprisonment of up to three years or both, if convicted

A heavy police presence could be seen at the court complex ahead of Sanusi's arrival.

Muhammad Sanusi pleaded not guilty after the charge was read out before Sessions Court judge Nor Rajiah Mat Zin.

Solicitor-General Datuk Ahmad Terrirudin Mohd Salleh offered bail at RM5,000.

He also applied for a gag order to be imposed on Muhammad Sanusi to prevent him from commenting on the case in public.

Lawyer Datuk Shaharudin Ali, who represented Muhammad Sanusi, did not object to the bail amount.

"I would like to state that my client is the current leader for the caretaker government of Kedah.

"He will be leading the state elections that are coming soon. The flight risk of my client is almost zero," Shaharudin said.

A host of media personnel had also gathered at the Selayang Court Complex. - Photo: Bernama

Nor Rajiah then allowed the bail amount as well as the gag order.

At the next Sessions Court, Muhammad Sanusi pleaded not guilty to another similar charge under the same Act, allegedly committed at the same place and time.

The impugned statement in the charge referred to his speech that questioned Prime Minister's Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's statement on the Royal Decree and the establishment of the unity government.

SG Ahmad Terrirudin offered bail at RM5,000 and applied for a gag order and this was not objected by the defence.

Sessions Court judge Osman Affendi Mohd Shalleh allowed bail at RM5,000 but ordered Muhammad Sanusi to produce a different bailor.

Both cases are fixed for mention on Oct 4.