The PAS leader has attempted to explain his remarks, which the Selangor institution found highly insulting.
He has claimed that the comments he made during a Perikatan Nasional ceramah recently were twisted by agents of Pakatan Harapan and Barisan Nasional to cause a misunderstanding.
Muhammad Sanusi, in his warkah (letter) to the Sultan of Selangor, explained the “actual” meaning as well as the field covered in his speech and sought His Royal Highness’ forgiveness.
But it appears like it won’t be accepted, and neither will there be a reply.
The Selangor royalty has prepared itself to be interviewed by the police following the report made by the Selangor Royal Council on Friday.
The crux of the dissatisfaction isn’t just Sanusi’s remarks questioning the appointment of Selangor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari by Tuanku; he allegedly cast aspersions on HRH’s ancestral lineage.
It is understood that the palace found this part to be “most offensive’’ and, worse, the Kedah MB made the statement at a ceramah in Selangor in a purportedly “contemptuous” manner.
The words were uttered at Perikatan’s Jelajah Selangor Baharu programme in Selayang on July 11.
The palace is also not pleased that Selangor politicians, who were present, did not make any attempt to defend the royal institution.
In 2017, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad also irked the Sultan when he made derogatory remarks against the Bugis community, calling them pirates, robbers, and criminals, which the palace deemed to be “extreme’’.
Just last month, palace officials said the Sultan had reminded candidates and their supporters in the coming state election not to play up issues touching on race and religion, and sensitive matters that could destroy harmony and unity among the people.
He had said that all campaigns should be conducted in an ethical and responsible manner in accordance with election regulations and other related laws.
They were told not to resort to fitnah (slander) during the campaign, but it looks like it has fallen on deaf ears.
Topics touching on race and religion are still present, and worse, the royalty has been dragged in, even though the police have warned against using the 3Rs during the campaign.
It is almost certain that the Selangor palace will take up the complaint with Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail and the Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain, on the issue.
The state is also expected to use the mosques to remind the congregation during next week’s khutbah Jumaat (Friday prayer sermons) of the dire consequences of using the topics of race, religion, and royalty during election campaigns.
This is not the first time Muhammad Sanusi has had a tiff with the royalty.
Last year, the Tunku Mahkota Johor (TMJ) Tunku Ismail Ibni Sultan Ibrahim and Muhammad Sanusi exchanged strong words over the salaries of Kedah’s football players. Both states are rivals in the local league.
But this time, the popular Kedah MB may have crossed the line with his remarks as he made them in Selangor.
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Wong Chun Wai
Wong Chun Wai began his career as a journalist in Penang, and has served The Star for over 35 years in various capacities and roles. He is now group editorial and corporate affairs adviser to the group, after having served as group managing director/chief executive officer. On The Beat made its debut on Feb 23 1997 and Chun Wai has penned the column weekly without a break, except for the occasional press holiday when the paper was not published. In May 2011, a compilation of selected articles of On The Beat was published as a book and launched in conjunction with his 50th birthday. Chun Wai also comments on current issues in The Star.
