KUALA LUMPUR: The arrest of Kedah caretaker Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor, at a hotel at 3am today is inappropriate, says a Pakatan Harapan member of parliament.
Bayan Baru member of parliament, Sim Tze Tzin condemned the action, stating that it should not have been taken against a leader holding the position of Menteri Besar.
"Sanusi is a Menteri Besar. He is not a suspect who would flee. Arrests can be conducted in the early morning or afternoon. It is not appropriate to carry out such actions in the middle of the night.
The investigation and arrest procedures are carried out by the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM). We respect the independent and professional authority of the PDRM in their field.
"The police's standard operating procedures (SOPs) established during the state of emergency should be reviewed in line with the principles of Malaysia Madani, supported by the Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. Malaysia is a country based on the rule of law and is also a Madani nation," he said in a Facebook post today.
Muhammad Sanusi, who is also the Director of Perikatan Nasional (PN) Election Operations, was arrested by the police around 3am this morning to face charges in court under the Sedition Act. He is accused of making seditious statements regarding the appointment of the Selangor Chief Minister in a political speech last week.
Sim emphasised that the country has a legal process that will determine Sanusi's fate.
"Sanusi's speech was inflammatory, insulting the institution of the monarchy, and dividing our multicultural society. He should be investigated, and if there is strong evidence, he should be charged.
This country has a comprehensive legal system. Those who are wrong will be investigated by the authorities, and if there is strong evidence, the Attorney General will press charges. If proven guilty in court, appropriate punishment will be imposed. That is the legal process," he added.
