Refrain from discussing position of Malay Rulers in unhealthy political discourse - PM

SEKINCHAN: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has called on all parties to refrain from turning matters relating to the position and role of Malay Rulers into unhealthy political discourse.

Instead, he said the monarchy institution should be protected and respected by all.

As such, Anwar also called on the public to really understand the charges imposed on Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor under the Sedition Act 1948 today, and respect the court process.

"I call on everyone to study the charges, to understand first and foremost the reason for the police report lodged by the Selangor Royal Council and also the reason for the Attorney-General to prosecute," he told reporters after launching the Sentuhan Agro MADANI programme here today.

Earlier today, Muhammad Sanusi was charged at two Sessions Courts with two counts of inciting the public over his remarks on the appointment of the Selangor Menteri Besar and the establishment of the unity government in a political talk last week.

On both charges, Muhammad Sanusi was alleged to have committed acts that had a seditious tendency by uttering words that have a tendency to raise discontent or disaffection among the subjects of a Ruler.

"We have to fix (several) things because we want a strong state government. When the state is strong, it can help the Unity Government at the federal level. Work together and help each other because sometimes, the state government may have limited capability," the Prime Minister said.

The last composition of the Selangor State Assembly before its dissolution on June 23 saw PH holding 40 seats comprising PKR (19), DAP (15) and Amanah (six), while Barisan Nasional (BN) has five, Bersatu (four), Parti Bangsa Malaysia (two), and PAS, Pejuang, Warisan and Independent each have one representative.

The Batang Kali seat was declared vacant last February after the incumbent failed to attend the State Assembly sitting for more than six months.

The Election Commission (EC) has set the state polls in Selangor, Kedah, Penang, Kelantan, Terengganu and Negeri Sembilan to be held simultaneously on Aug 12, with nomination day on July 29 and early voting on Aug 8.

-- BERNAMA