PKR applies for watching brief in Sanusi's sedition trial

SELAYANG: PKR has applied at the Sessions Court here to conduct a watching brief in the sedition case of caretaker Kedah mentri besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor.

Lawyer Asheeq Ali Seethi Alivi, who represented the political party, appeared in court on Tuesday (July 18).

At the outset of the proceedings involving Muhammad Sanusi, the lawyer told Sessions judge Nor Rajiah Mat Zin he had received an instruction from his client, PKR, to apply for a watching brief on the grounds that it was a "public interest case".

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Solicitor-General Datuk Ahmad Terrirudin Mohd Salleh, who appeared for the prosecution, had no objection.

Datuk Shaharudin Ali, who represented Muhammad Sanusi, said the defence had been informed of PKR's intention.

"However... he (Asheeq Ali) said this was due to public interest when it is clearly PKR's interest.

"I leave it to the judge's discretion," Shaharudin said.

Judge Nor Rajiah asked Asheeq Ali if he intended to conduct a watching brief solely on Tuesday's proceedings or throughout the case.

The lawyer replied that PKR intended to conduct a watching brief until the disposal of the case and would be present at each proceeding.

Judge Nor Rajiah then allowed the oral application.

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Asheeq Ali also made the same oral application before Sessions judge Osman Affendi Mohd Shalleh but this was not allowed.

"You have to write to the court for this," Osman Affendi said.

On Tuesday, Muhammad Sanusi, who is Jeneri assemblyman and PAS national election director, claimed trial at two Sessions Courts to two counts of uttering seditious statements during a political speech that could incite disloyalty to the Rulers.

For the first charge, the impugned statement he allegedly uttered touched on the Royal Institution and the Ruler's appointment of the Selangor Mentri Besar; while for the second charge, Muhammad Sanusi allegedly uttered a seditious speech that questioned Prime Minister's Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's statement on the Royal Decree and the establishment of the unity government.

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The offences were allegedly committed at Simpang 4, Taman Selayang Mutiara, at 11pm on July 11.

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.

Both cases are fixed for mention on Oct 4.

Muhammad Sanusi is out on RM10,000 bail in two sureties for both cases.