PETALING JAYA: This is not about politics but law and order, Fahmi Fadzil says on caretaker Kedah Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor's arrest and charge under the Sedition Act.
He said Muhammad Sanusi had ignored reminders and clear warnings not to talk about 3R (royalty, religion and race) issues.
"Selangor Ruler Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, during the dissolution of the state assembly already decreed not to touch 3R issues.
"The Inspector-General of Police, Home Minister as well as the Prime Minister have given warnings not to touch 3R issues," the Communications and Digital Minister told The Star.
"That someone who holds such an important post to completely ignore the many warnings, including from the Sultans – that to me is extremely regretful.
"This is not political, this is about law and order. This is about respecting institutions. We must remember that Malaysia is a parliamentary democracy and a constitutional monarchy which means that their role is (spelt out) in the Federal Constitution," he added.
On renewed calls by critics to abolish the Sedition Act 1948, Fahmi said the law fell under the jurisdiction of the Law and Institutional Reforms Ministry.
However, he said the Act has rarely been used since the unity government came into power.
"If anything, the Sedition Act is used extremely rarely and sparingly only for what I will presume to be extreme cases," he said.
Fahmi also said it was important to note there was a sequence of events that took place which culminated in what happened on Tuesday (July 18).
"There were also a number of police reports made by the public and a police report (was lodged) by the Selangor Royal Council.
"The most important thing to know is this has nothing to do with the government or state elections," he said.
Muhammad Sanusi claimed trial to two charges under the Sedition Act at the Selayang Sessions Court on Tuesday.
He was accused of uttering a seditious statement that could incite disloyalty to the Rulers.
The offence was allegedly committed on July 11.
