SHAH ALAM: Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor has been acquitted and discharged (AnD) of one sedition charge for allegedly uttering seditious remarks against the Sultan of Selangor last year.
High Court judge Datuk Aslam Zainuddin made the ruling after deputy public prosecutor Datuk Masri Mohd Daud said the prosecution wanted to withdraw and discontinue the charge.
Aslam ordered the AnD on Sanusi despite Masri asking for a discharge not amounting to acquittal (DNAA).
"The second charge against Sanusi is maintained," said Masri on the sedition charge linked to former Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah.
Sanusi, who is Jeneri assemblyman, appeared calm and composed in the dock after the judge delivered his decision.
The courtroom was packed with Sanusi's supporters as well as political leaders such as Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man, Datuk Idris Ahmad and Datuk Awang Hashim.
Also present was Datuk Seri Salehuddin Saidin, who held a watching brief on behalf of the Sultan of Selangor and the Selangor Council of the Royal Court.
Earlier, Sanusi's lawyer Awang Armadajaya Awang Mahmud thanked the prosecution for the withdrawal of charge linked to Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah and accepted that the other one is maintained.
"The prosecution had asked for a DNAA. However, I ask for the first charge to be given an AnD.
"Under Section 254 of the Criminal Procedure Code, the court has the power to give an AnD to an accused because the prosecution does not want to continue with the charge and has withdrawn it.
"A person cannot be held against something that does not have a final conclusion. And as the prosecution indeed does not want to continue with the charge, I ask for the accused to be given an AnD.
"As for the other charge, I ask for trial dates to be set so we can settle this matter," said Awang Armadajaya.
Aslam set Feb 24 to 28 for trial.
Sanusi had earlier sought the Attorney-General's Chambers (A-GC) withdrawal of the charge linked to Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah after His Majesty accepted his apology.
Sanusi issued a public apology to Sultan Sharafuddin over his remarks made during the state election campaign in July last year. (
Sultan Sharafuddin said he consented to accepting Sanusi's apology in the name of unity among the Muslims and Malays.
His Majesty advised Sanusi to be mindful of his words and etiquette, avoid being overly emotional and not use inappropriate language when addressing the public, particularly in Selangor.
The ruler said he does not want the people, especially those in Selangor, to be influenced and accustomed to hearing harsh words and baseless accusations, especially from leaders.
Sanusi, during a Perikatan Nasional (PN) 'ceramah' in Selayang, was reported to have belittled Sultan Sharafuddin's appointment of Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shaari.
Sanusi gave his word that he would be more careful in making any statements in future and ensure that his speech is in line with the Malay customs, which are highly respectful of the Malay rulers and the royal institution.
Sanusi's first representation which sought the dismissal of two sedition charges was rejected by the A-GC in May.
On July 18 last year, Sanusi pleaded not guilty at the Selayang Sessions Court to two counts of uttering seditious remarks that could incite disloyalty towards the rulers.