Sanusi only wants to delay trial, says prosecutor

According to the prosecution in the sedition case involving Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor, his application to stay his trial was seen as a delay tactic by the Selayang Sessions Court. Deputy Public Prosecutor Datuk Masri Mohd Daud stated that the defence filed the notice of motion to transfer at the last minute to delay the trial. The prosecution also mentioned that there was no valid reason to delay the trial and that there were only 11 documents handed over on Oct 4, 2023.

Additionally, Muhammad Sanusi’s lawyer applied to the court to stay the trial during the decision on the transfer. The notice of motion for the transfer was filed on Jan 11 and handed to the prosecution on Jan 15. The lawyer emphasized that the application to transfer was made after the defense studied the documents and was not frivolous or based on weak arguments. The trial was initially set to start on Jan 18 but was postponed after Muhammad Sanusi was allowed to leave the country on official business.

Other hearing dates have been scheduled for Feb 5, 8, 9, 13, 15, 16,19, 22, 23, and additional hearing dates on March 11, 15, and 18. Sessions Court judge Nor Rajiah Mat Zain set Feb 2 to decide on the stay application.

Last July, Muhammad Sanusi claimed trial at the Selayang Sessions Courts for two counts of sedition over a political speech concerning the appointment of the Selangor Mentri Besar and the unity government. He was charged with making a seditious statement relating to the royal institution and the appointment of the Selangor MB that could incite disloyalty to the Rulers. The charges carry a maximum fine of RM5,000 or imprisonment of up to three years or both, if convicted.