‘Charges of sedition serve as a lesson to all’

KUALA LUMPUR: Sedition charges against caretaker Kedah Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor serve as a lesson not only to public figures but Malaysians as a whole, say politicians.

His PAS colleague Datuk Awang Solahuddin Hashim (pic) said the sedition charges were a lesson not only to political leaders but Malaysians in general about respecting the law.

“He has apologised for his remarks but there were reports lodged and the legal process had already started, which we should respect. We’re here to express our solidarity for him, especially with the state elections drawing near,” he said outside the Selayang Court Complex yesterday.

Meanwhile, Amanah deputy president Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub said Sanusi should view his arrest and sedition charges as a lesson to not take things too far.

“In this world, you reap what you sow. Don’t go overboard with what you do.”

Sanusi and his party, he said, had always talked about Malay and Islamic issues “but sometimes, there are contradictions”.

“Sometimes they talk about protecting the Malays and Islam but at other times, they make outrageous statements, even towards Malay royalty. Learn from this,” said Salahuddin, who is Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister.

Salahuddin also quashed talk that the charges against Sanusi were politically motivated.

“Why did he have to make such statements in the first place?

“He knows he (could be) making a defamatory statement ahead of the state elections and now (he is claiming) that he was arrested ahead of the polls,” he said.