'Deputy Minister’s presence with Arun Dorasamy in court raises ethical concerns' - Lawyer

SHAH ALAM – The presence of the Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform), M. Kulasegaran, alongside an accused during court proceedings has triggered a debate over legal ethics and judicial propriety.

The issue was raised by lawyer Zainul Rijal Abu Bakar, who highlighted Kulasegaran’s attendance with activist Arumugam Dorasamy (also known as Arun Dorasamy) during proceedings at the Jawi Magistrate’s Court.

Arumugam was recently charged in relation to a social media statement allegedly made with the intention of causing public alarm.

Activist Arun Dorasamy, whose real name is Arumugam Dorasamy, pleaded not guilty at the Jawi Magistrate’s Court today to a charge of making statements with the intent to cause public alarm via his Instagram account last year.

Zainul expressed concern that the involvement of a senior government official in such circumstances could influence public perception regarding judicial independence.

“Such action appears to give the impression to the Magistrate that the accused is not guilty, even though the case has yet to be tried. It may also cause unease for the Magistrate,” he said.

According to the charge sheet, Arumugam, 56, is accused of making a statement intended to cause fear or alarm to the public, potentially inducing others to commit offences against public order.

The statement was reportedly viewed and heard by Nor Al Firdaus Nor Al Huda.

He is alleged to have posted the statement on his social media account, @arun_dorasamy, while at the Ikea shopping centre in Batu Kawan at 3.45pm on March 12, 2025.