SHAH ALAM – The sedition trial involving Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor, which was scheduled to start today, has been postponed for another two months.
This comes after Sanusi’s lawyer, Awang Armadajaya Awang Mahmud, informed High Court judge Datuk Aslam Zainuddin that the defence had sent a representation letter to the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC), requesting that the AGC review and drop the sedition charges against Sanusi.
Typically, an individual charged with a criminal offence will send a representation letter to the AGC to request a review or dismissal of the charges.
Deputy public prosecutor Datuk Masri Mohd Daud confirmed that the AGC received the letter and had no objection to postponing today’s trial.
The court scheduled September 27 for case management, at which time the prosecution is expected to update the court on the AGC’s decision regarding Sanusi’s representation letter.
This marks the second attempt by the Jeneri assemblyman to submit a representation letter, following the AGC’s rejection of the first attempt in May, which led to the scheduling of today’s trial.
Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan, Mohd Tajuddin Abd Razak, Wan Rohimi Wan Daud, Mohd Radzlan Jalaluddin, Ahmad Lutfi Awang, and Mohd Faizi Che Abu also appeared as counsels for Sanusi.
Also present in court was former Dewan Rakyat speaker Tan Sri Azhar Azizan Harun.
Meanwhile, lawyer Hafizuddin Salehuddin appeared as the watching brief for the Sultan of Selangor in today’s proceedings.
After the proceedings, Awang told reporters that they submitted the representation letter last week.
Sanusi quipped that he was ever ready to go to trial.
“I’m always ready… regardless, I’ll have to appear even if I’m not so mighty as well (just be ready),” he said.
Sanusi is facing two criminal charges for allegedly uttering seditious words concerning the appointment of the Selangor menteri besar and the establishment of the unity government during a political talk held at Simpang 4, Taman Selayang Mutiara-Kampung Bendahara, Gombak, at 11pm on July 11, last year.
Sanusi earlier maintained his not guilty plea when the two sedition charges were presented to him, following the transfer of the case from the Selayang sessions court to the high court on February 1.
His charges are framed under Section 4(1)(b) of the Sedition Act 1948, which is punishable under Section 4(1) of the same law, carrying the sentence of a fine of RM5,000 or a maximum jail sentence of three years, or both, if convicted. – July 22, 2024
