Sanusi's karaoke session with woman - PAS members not entertained

 

Kedah PAS has conceded that some members are not pleased with Menteri Besar Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor’s live karaoke session with a woman on TikTok.

State PAS commissioner Ahmad Yahaya said he has received complaints about the matter while some consider it to be sinful.

“I received various views (about the matter). I have also read the comments on social media.

“Some comments expressed anger, to the point of calling it a major sin. (Some) felt that a leader should not be doing such things.

“Some (members) sent (messages) in the firm that while they are told to ‘bermunajat’, ‘berqiamullail’, ‘berzikir’, ‘berwirit’ (perform chanting, prayers and supplications), the leaders are in a karaoke (session),” he said in a speech during a programme held in Kedah recently.

The clip of Ahmad’s speech only made its rounds on social media today.

Kedah PAS commissioner Ahmad Yahaya

However, Ahmad praised Sanusi, calling him a “great” PAS leader.

Every time Sanusi participated in the karaoke sessions, Ahmad said the former’s wife, Jusmalailani Jusoh, would accompany her husband even though she would not be visible on the live streams.

“That is a norm, I can confirm that she (Jusmalailani) is together (with Sanusi during the karaoke sessions).”

Sanusi, who is also PAS election director, had courted flak over the video depicting him singing with a woman until 2am.

However, the menteri besar defended his action, saying it did not violate the law or religion.

“This is a trivial matter compared to the Ashabul Kahfi (men of the cave) issue linked to the prime minister.

“Political foes edited certain parts of the video and shared it with a sensational caption like ‘karaoke with another man’s wife’ and others… I read all the comments,” Sanusi told Sinar Harian.

Stop playing up religious sentiments

On Dec 22, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim urged all preachers not to play up religious sentiments when explaining an issue.

He was referring to an incident involving a preacher who misinterpreted his statement regarding Surah Al-Kahfi of the Quran that he mentioned during the Prime Minister’s Department monthly gathering.

Meanwhile, Ahmad said Kedah PAS will look into all the views raised with regard to Sanusi’s karaoke session.

“So many views were shared. I think this shows the people’s concerns for the leadership’s actions.

“On behalf of the leadership, I want to thank you. Why? (Because) our members are very concerned about what our leaders and members do.

“Perhaps what the menteri besar (Sanusi) was doing made us feel uncomfortable, maybe we feel that (Sanusi) shouldn’t do so (karaoke) until midnight.

“Perhaps there are some who think that (such action) is inappropriate. So, I think the party will manage it but the menteri besar’s view should also be considered by us,” he said.

Sanusi an effective leader

Elaborating on the matter, Ahmad emphasised that the measures taken by Sanusi had proven to be effective in attracting certain groups to approach PAS.

Previously, Ahmad said, groups that follow certain religious figures have been drawn to PAS to add to its existing strength.

“But there are more targets that we need to continue to approach, and these people do not attend lectures.

“They will not attend ‘selawat’ (religious salutations ceremony) but they may be at football fields, stadiums and on social media.”