PSM has condemned the police's action in arresting three individuals for allegedly insulting Kedah Menteri Besar Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor, who recently "joked" about containers for the bodies of Covid-19 victims.
Its deputy chairperson S Arutchelvan said the police acted on reports lodged by a special officer to Sanusi on the three men.
"The police have reportedly gone to their homes and arrested them for comments they made about MB Sanusi.
"Police said they are being investigated under Section 504 of the Penal Code, Section 14 of the Minor Offences Act 1955 and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.
"Our freedom of expression is guaranteed under Article 10 of the Constitution and if Sanusi is unhappy with these individuals, he should just use the civil courts to file defamation cases," Arutchelvan (above) said in a statement today.
He added that Sanusi should not use the people's money to settle a score if he feels insulted.
"The police should have advised the MB’s special officer that this is a civil matter and not a criminal one.
"Please stop burdening our police from doing all these unnecessary jobs. And stop using our money for these purposes," Arutchelvan said.
Yesterday, a 61-year-old man from Negeri Sembilan was arrested and detained over a video that allegedly insulted Sanusi after the latter was caught joking about where to place bodies of Covid-19 victims.
Kuala Muda district police chief Adzli Abu Shah confirmed that police tracked down the man and raided his home.
"The man was remanded and released on police bail after his statement was recorded," he added.
Today, Kota Setar police chief ACP Ahmad Shukri Mat Akhir said two men, aged 42 and 52, were picked up at their respective homes in Alor Setar yesterday evening.
The pair, a businessperson and a technician, reportedly admitted to writing and posting comments on the Facebook account of a political leader.
Sanusi is no stranger to controversies.
Last month, the PAS leader was fined for going on a test drive during the Covid-19 lockdown.
In March, he threatened to turn Penang's water supply "muddy" if the state did contribute to water treatment in Kedah.
In December last year, Sanusi came under fire for using racial stereotypes to hit back at Indian leaders for criticising his handling of the demolition of Hindu temples.
The MB had accused his critics of being "drunk on the toddy of populism".
Meanwhile, rights group Eliminating Deaths And Abuse In Custody Together (Edict) said it was improper for police to nab the three.
They said it is inhumane for police to arrest a 61-year-old in the early morning when he was asleep.
"It was clear that the arrest was improper given that the matter could be addressed in a civil manner without resorting to police force," read Edict's statement today.
Just like ordinary people, they said Sanusi is subject to criticism for his actions and the criticism came only after the menteri besar mocked and insulted those who suffered due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
"However, no action is taken against him following his statement that hurt the feelings of the family members of deceased patients.
"We call upon the police not to act beyond their limits and not to act hastily in exercising their duties. The police should instead focus on real criminal cases that need more attention," said Edict.
They said the police should not intimidate members of the public who criticise the misconduct of the government.
"The investigation against political critics is merely a waste of time and public funds," they added. - Mkini
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