Launch sedition probe on Sanusi's 'pot-bellied deity' jibe, MP tells cops

 

The Kampar MP Chong Zhemin has urged the police to investigate Kedah Menteri Besar Muhammad Sanusi Md Noor under the Sedition Act 1948.

This is for Sanusi reportedly referring to Tourism Minister Tiong King Sing as a “bald, pot-bellied tokong” during a state legislative assembly sitting on Nov 29.

“Sanusi’s statement is derogatory and insulting to the Buddhist faith, and could cause anguish and animosity between the races and religious groups in Malaysia,” he said in a statement today.

A police report was lodged in Ipoh this morning regarding the matter.

While speeches made as part of parliamentary and state legislature proceedings are protected speech that cannot be questioned in court, this is not the case for offences under the Sedition Act due to exceptions allowed under Articles 63(4) and 72(4) of the Federal Constitution.

Jelutong MP RSN Rayer and former Permatang Pauh MP Nurul Izzah Anwar had been investigated under the Sedition Act for their parliamentary speeches before, Chong noted.

“I urge the police to investigate Sanusi’s statement under the Sedition Act and take appropriate action (against him),” he said.