'Equating Sanusi's arrest to Anwar's detention in 1998 is ridiculous'

SEBERANG JAYA - Attempts to equate caretaker Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor's arrest to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's detention in 1998 were described as ridiculous.

PKR deputy president Rafizi Ramli said what has happened to Sanusi is far from what was experienced by Anwar, who was assaulted during that time.

Sanusi, on the other hand, was only arrested to be prosecuted and then released on bail, he said.

"Malaya's most glamorous man now, Sanusi was only detained; he didn't even get locked up. He was charged and then released on bail.

"It is unreasonable to compare him with the ordeal that Anwar was put through in 1998. Unless Sanusi was kicked and assaulted like Anwar," he said during the Jelajah Madani Harapan' ceramah at the Sebarang Jaya state assembly on Tuesday.

Rafizi also denied that Sanusi's prosecution was not because the Unity Government feared him but because the foul-mouthed Pas leader insulted the Royals.

The Economy Minister also advised Sanusi to watch what he says and not make statements that could put him in jail.

"When I was in the Opposition previously and wanted to bring the truth to the people, I faced many challenges.

"I have 14 court cases and was even detained for two to three days and at most five days in jail.

"I sat in the lock-up, I didn't sleep; I ate whatever was given to me in jail. I had to also shower naked; that's why I advise Sanusi to keep his mouth shut," he said.

Rafizi also cynically said that no politician in PKR was arrested or charged for insulting the royal institution.

"It's strange that those who supposedly depict themselves as a party that is fighting for the Malays and Islam are accused of insulting the Royals.

"If I was the one who insulted the Sultan, Pas must have gone out marching on the road to the point where I would be forced to go into a cave because I was afraid to come out.

"I want to advise that if he (Sanusi) feels and wants to be great, go ahead and say unwarranted things, but just be prepared to face the consequences," he added.

Sanusi claimed trial at the Sessions Courts on Tuesday (July 18) for two counts of sedition under the Sedition Act 1948 over a political speech on July 11.

He pleaded not guilty after the charges were read out before Sessions Court judge Nor Rajiah Mat Zin.