AG: Evidence-based prosecution, not persecution

The decision to charge an individual is based on evidence and facts from the investigation process and not on the behest of others, said Attorney-General Idrus Harun.

He was responding to the “selective prosecution” accusations regarding the charges laid against caretaker Kedah menteri besar Muhammad Sanus Md Nor under the Sedition Act.

“Such decisions are made based on evidence in investigations and not in favour of anyone, ensuring that victims, witnesses, accused and the public obtain appropriate justice in accordance with the jurisdiction of the attorney-general provided under Article 145(3) of the Federal Constitution.

“Accordingly, the attorney general’s office denies the allegations of selective prosecution, politically motivated and persecution against any individual who commits an offence under any provision of the law,” Idrus said in a statement.

Stressing that none is above the law, the AG said if there is strong evidence that an individual had committed an offence, the person would be prosecuted regardless of his or her status and background.

Opposition Leader Hamzah Zainudin had claimed that Sanusi’s case was the latest in a series of selective prosecutions and abuse of the Sedition Act for political purposes.

He alleged that several non-PN leaders had also made seditious statements in the past but did not face any legal repercussions.

Sanusi, who is also Perikatan Nasional election director, claimed trial to two charges framed under Section 4(1)(a) for the Sedition Act 1948.

He is accused of uttering words that tended to incite disloyalty against a ruler.

The police’s decision to arrest Sanusi in the wee hours of the morning had also courted brickbats from various quarters, including several Pakatan Harapan lawmakers.

Hamzah had described the pre-dawn operation as “excessive” and accused the police of being complicit in a “political vendetta”.

Defending the arrest, Inspector-General of Police Razarudin Husain claimed that his officers had attempted to contact Sanusi and his aides but their calls were rejected.

Although the authorities moved swiftly in this case, Dr Mahathir Mohamad who was also investigated over alleged remarks against the royal institution, has yet to face charges.

It was earlier reported that the investigation papers against the former premier were submitted to the Attorney-General’s Chambers on June 6.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, whose coalition was a staunch opponent of the Sedition Act in the past, defended the use of the draconian legislation against Sanusi.

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