Don’t twist facts, Sanusi told

Reports by MAZWIN NIK ANIS, ZAKIAH KOYA, RAHIMY RAHIM, AUSTIN CAMOENS, TARRENCE TAN, FAZLEENA AZIZ and ARFA YUNUS

PETALING JAYA: Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor is someone who is not wise in telling fact from fiction, says Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who joined a host of leaders in slamming the Kedah Mentri Besar over his recent statements.

The Deputy Prime Minister said Muhammad Sanusi should not twist facts just to attract a crowd.

“Politics is not something one should joke about. I should not be commenting or debating with someone who is not wise in deducing what is fact and what is fiction.”

During a recent programme, Muhammad Sanusi hit out at government leaders.

In a video that’s making its rounds on social media, he was also alleged to have belittled the Sultan of Selangor’s appointment of Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari.

Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil also slammed Muhammad Sanusi, saying a slur against royalty was going overboard.

He said Perikatan Nasional leaders were free to hurl insults at their political adversaries but not at royalty.

“Muhammad Sanusi, you can say whatever you want and insult us. But if you touch on the 3Rs (race, royalty and religion), you are rude.

“We will leave it to the authorities,” he said during a Jelajah Madani ceramah at Bukit Melawati on Wednesday.

“It seems we cannot talk facts with these people (Perikatan leaders). They only know how to insult and curse,” said Fahmi, who criticised Perikatan leaders for always opposing the unity government’s efforts.

“That is why we want to fight ‘Pertikaian (Dispute) Nasional’,” he said, using a phrase to mock Perikatan.

Universiti Malaya’s Prof Awang Azman Awang Pawi said the Sultan of Selangor’s decision to appoint a Mentri Besar should not be questioned.

He said it was “irresponsible” and “distasteful” of Muhammad Sanusi to insult the Sultan and the Mentri Besar to score brownie points with supporters.

“Muhammad Sanusi’s action also harms the image of Islam as he comes from a party that uses Islam as its ideology,” said Awang Azman.

Azmi Hassan of Nusantara Academy for Strategic Research described Muhammad Sanusi’s insult as “character assassination at its lowest level”.

The senior fellow said Muhammad Sanusi could have gotten comfortable demeaning others but should be mindful of his targets.

“Demeaning others to the point of insulting someone’s physical appearance is unacceptable,” he said.

National Patriots Association (Patriot) president Brig-Jen (Rtd) Datuk Mohamed Arshad Raji said Muhammad Sanusi should take care of his own backyard first.

“What is his business in Selangor? He should take care of all the problems he is facing in his home state.

“It is the prerogative of the Sultan to appoint a Mentri Besar. Why does he feel the need to question that?” Mohamed Arshad said.

Malaysian Islamic Youth Movement (Abim) president Muhammad Faisal Abdul Aziz urged the government to take stern action against those uttering provocative and sensitive words.

“Those who practise extreme politics can cause harm and disunity in the country,” he said.

“Regardless of how heated the election is, political players should know how to behave, especially those representing a party that uses Islam as its ideology.”