SHAH ALAM: Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor has been acquitted and discharged (AnD) of one sedition charge over alleged remarks made against the Sultan of Selangor last year.
High Court judge Datuk Aslam Zainuddin ruled in favor of the AnD after Deputy Public Prosecutor Datuk Masri Mohd Daud informed the court that the prosecution wished to withdraw and discontinue the charge. Despite the prosecution’s request for a discharge not amounting to acquittal (DNAA), the judge opted for the full acquittal.
However, the second sedition charge against Sanusi, linked to remarks about the former Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, remains in place, with trial dates set for February 24 to 28 next year.
Sanusi, who is also the Jeneri assemblyman, appeared calm in court. The courtroom was filled with supporters and political figures, including Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man, Datuk Idris Ahmad, and Datuk Awang Hashim. Additionally, Datuk Seri Salehuddin Saidin attended, holding a watching brief for the Sultan of Selangor and the Selangor Council of the Royal Court.
Sanusi’s lawyer, Awang Armadajaya Awang Mahmud, expressed gratitude to the prosecution for withdrawing the charge related to Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, arguing that the AnD was appropriate under Section 254 of the Criminal Procedure Code.
The withdrawal followed Sultan Sharafuddin’s acceptance of Sanusi’s public apology. Sanusi had apologized for comments made during the state election campaign in July last year, where he reportedly criticized the Sultan’s appointment of Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shaari.
In accepting the apology, the Sultan emphasized unity among Muslims and Malays while advising Sanusi to exercise care with his words, avoid being overly emotional, and refrain from using inappropriate language, especially when addressing the public.
Sanusi pledged to be more mindful of his statements in the future, aligning his conduct with Malay customs, which uphold respect for the monarchy and royal institutions.
The A-G’s Chambers had earlier rejected Sanusi’s first representation seeking dismissal of both sedition charges. On July 18 last year, Sanusi pleaded not guilty at the Selayang Sessions Court to two sedition charges for allegedly making remarks that could incite disloyalty toward the rulers.
