SEKINCHAN: Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has called on all parties to refrain from conducting unhealthy political discourse on the position and role of Malay Rulers.
The Prime Minister also said the royal institution should be protected and respected by all.
Anwar also called on the public to understand the charges imposed on Kedah Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor under the Sedition Act 1948 and to respect the court process.
"I call on everyone to study the charges, to understand first and foremost the reason for the police report lodged by the Selangor Royal Council as well as the reason why the Attorney General decided to prosecute," he told reporters after launching the Sentuhan Agro Madani programme here on Tuesday (July 18).
Anwar also said that the government tried to avoid using the Sedition Act when arresting Muhammad Sanusi but the case clearly involved matters relating to the position of the Malay Rulers.
"In terms of policy, we tried to avoid using the Sedition Act, but this case touched on the position of the Rulers.
"If it's about criticising the prime minister, I would never use it (Sedition Act) as an excuse (to take action), but this involves the position and dignity of the Rulers, who we should respect. We should also refrain from turning matters relating to them (Rulers) into unhealthy political discourse," said the Prime Minister.
On Monday (July 17), the Selangor Ruler Sultan Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah said the issue regarding Muhammad Sanusi's statement, which was considered insulting to the Selangor royal institution, was not over yet.
Members of the Selangor Royal Council also lodged a police report on July 14 regarding the issue.
Muhammad Sanusi was charged at two Sessions Courts with two counts of inciting the public over his remarks on the appointment of the Selangor Mentri Besar and the establishment of the unity government in a political talk.
Muhammad Sanusi was alleged to have committed acts of seditious tendency by uttering words that could raise discontent or disaffection towards royalty. – Bernama
