In Petaling Jaya, Perikatan Nasional leaders accuse Pakatan Harapan of double standards in charging Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor.
They insist the Sedition Act charges against the Kedah Mentri Besar will not harm the Opposition coalition.
PAS deputy president Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man, states Perikatan will keep Muhammad Sanusi as national election director for the state polls.
He condemns the Barisan Nasional-Pakatan unity government for their handling of the 3R issue, claiming it will strengthen Perikatan’s campaign.
“Charging Muhammad Sanusi under the Sedition Act will fuel people’s anger against the Barisan-Pakatan government and help Perikatan in the state elections.
“We will expose the failures of the Barisan-Pakatan governments in Selangor, Negri Sembilan, and Penang,” he says, adding Perikatan will create a manifesto to gain support.
Tuan Ibrahim believes people sympathize with the Kedah MB, and the Sedition Act is being misused to silence the Opposition.
“Pakatan wanted this Act repealed but now abuses it,” he says when contacted.
Bersatu deputy president Datuk Ahmad Faizal Azumu accuses the current government of being “impertinent” on 3R issues, highlighting DAP’s previous stance on Malay privileges.
“Perikatan upholds Malay Rulers’ sovereignty. We will continue to do so as the Opposition.
“We urge caution in the upcoming elections due to the double standards in using the Sedition Act against the Opposition for 3R issues,” he adds.
Caretaker Mentri Besar of Terengganu and PAS vice-president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar calls Muhammad Sanusi’s arrest a “desperate act of those about to lose”.
“The case won’t affect our campaign in the six states. The Selayang Sessions Court had more cameramen than supporters,” he adds.
Meanwhile, senior fellow at the Nusantara Academy for Strategic Research Dr Azmi Hassan believes Perikatan will use the arrest and charges to gain sympathy votes, drawing a comparison to the indictment of former US president Donald Trump.
“They may attract hardcore supporters in Selangor, but neutral voters could be turned off as it concerns their Ruler. There won’t be much impact in Kedah, Kelantan, and Terengganu.
“Although we’re unsure when Muhammad Sanusi’s trial will begin, it will hinder the Perikatan campaign as he’s their national election director.
“The government had to take action due to involving the Sultan of Selangor.
“Muhammad Sanusi needs to learn from Thai politician Pita Limjaroenrat, who despite winning the general election, failed to become prime minister due to his anti-monarchy reputation.
“Popularity alone doesn’t guarantee success,” says Azmi.
Credit: The Star : News Feed
