Investigation against Sanusi is a distressing chapter in democracy - Pas

SHAH ALAM - Pas has strongly criticised the ongoing investigations targeting Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor concerning the Penang ownership issue, deeming it a distressing chapter in the nation's democratic history.

Central Pas information chief Khairil Nizam Khirudin expressed Pas' displeasure with the Pakatan Harapan (PH)-Umno government's conduct, despite their claims of upholding freedom of speech.

"Kedah MB (Sanusi) merely spoke based on historical facts, highlighting that when a party pays a land lease to another, it is evident that the land does not belong to the payer.

"The statement was also explained by former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad," he said in a statement today.

Khairil clarified that Pas did not dispute the police's authority to conduct an investigation, but perceived the government's actions as an indication of their fear of Sanusi.

"Sanusi merely conveyed historical facts within his knowledge and did not instigate any disorder, such as the 'Allah' issue.

"We expect the authorities to maintain transparency in the investigation and consider all relevant aspects, including well-known historical facts," Khairil added.

Following Sanusi's statement on Penang ownership, the police initiated an investigation under the Penal Code and Sedition Act.

On Tuesday, police secretary Deputy Commissioner Datuk Noorsiah Mohd Saaduddin said that the Federal Police CID Special Investigation Unit would call up the Kedah Mentri Besar to record his statement after they had received a report on the matter.

Meanwhile, Sanusi said he had given his full cooperation to the police who came to record his statement.