Cops to summon Sanusi, Rembau Umno man over N Sembilan campaign remarks

 

Police have confirmed they will summon Perikatan Nasional election director Sanusi Nor and Rembau Umno information chief Shukri Shamsuddin over separate remarks made while campaigning for the Negeri Sembilan polls.

State police chief Alzafny Ahmad said police had initiated an investigation under Section 505(b) of the Penal Code and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 (CMA) over Sanusi’s speech after receiving two reports.

The first section covers statements that could cause fear or alarm to the public while the latter criminalises the misuse of network facilities.

Noting that statements from several witnesses have already been recorded, Alzafny told reporters in Nilai today that the Kedah menteri besar’s statement is needed before the case can be concluded.

Sanusi (above) previously incited backlash from various quarters over his speech while on the campaign trail for the state election, with the PAS man asserting, among others, that while Malays only have Tanah Melayu, the Chinese and Indians have China and India, respectively.

He has since argued that he was merely discussing the historical relationship between the Malays and Malaya, alongside his concerns regarding the economic and political position of the Malay community.

MCMC’s assistance

The New Straits Times also quoted Alzafny as saying that probes into Shukri stemmed from remarks linking the Negeri Sembilan Palace to a political party.

According to Alzafny, an investigation paper has also been opened under Section 4A(1) of the Election Offences Act 1954 on statements that promote feelings of ill-will, discontent, or hostility between racial groups.

“We have recorded statements from the complainants and additional witnesses. We will call the individual to assist in further investigations.

“For both cases, police require MCMC’s assistance to examine the relevant material and support the investigations,” he added.

Yesterday, the Negeri Sembilan Palace advised all parties against involving the royal institution and 3R (race, religion, and royalty) elements in their campaigns for the state election.

In a statement issued by the Comptroller of the Royal Household for the Negeri Sembilan Palace, Azizi Mohamad Ali, the palace affirmed that it has always upheld the principle of neutrality and is not involved with any political parties or activities.

Rembau Umno information chief Shukri Shamsuddin

The palace’s input on the matter came after a clip of Shukri’s campaign remarks went viral, with certain quarters accusing the politician of disrespect against the royal institution.

In the brief 21-second clip, Shukri, who appeared to be speaking to several other people in a home, claimed that DAP is “holding” the palace and the state’s powers, to the point where the “dignity” of some communities has been affected. - Mkini