Sanusi claims trial to sedition charge

Kedah Menteri Besar Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor was charged at the Selayang Sessions Court today with making seditious statements on the appointment of his Selangor counterpart in a political talk.

He was charged under Section 4 (1)(a) of the Sedition Act, which carries a fine of up to RM5,000, three years' jail, or both upon conviction.

Sanusi claimed trial to the charge after it was read out before judge Nor Rajiah Mat Zin.

Sanusi is believed to be the first to face charges related to the 3R issues of race, religion and royalty. 

The PAS leader, who has often been in the limelight for his outspoken style, allegedly insulted the sultan of Selangor when comparing his appointment as Kedah menteri besar to Amirudin Shari’s appointment as Selangor menteri besar. 

He later apologised to Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah over the remarks he made during a ceramah, saying his words were twisted.

At the court today, he was also slapped with another charge of uttering seditious words over the establishment of the coalition government.

Sanusi, the Perikatan Nasional election director, pleaded not guilty to the second charge as well, which was read out before judge Osman Affendi Mohd Shalleh.