Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor controversies

Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor is the 14th Menteri Besar of Kedah. He has courted many controversies during his term as the Menteri Besar of Kedah since 2020 that have made him a polarizing figure in Malaysia.

Rare-earth metal (REE) deposits
In Early December 2020, Muhammad Sanusi announced that the Kedah state government had awarded a Kuala Lumpur-based company a permit to prospect and extract RM 43 Trillion worth of rare earth metals. Upon further investigation, it was found that the rare earth element deposits were only worth an estimated RM 62 Billion. The DAP have claimed that Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor is intentionally courting controversies and being provocative to draw attention away from the rare-earth element deposit controversy. In October 2022, a compound of RM500,000 was issued by the Kedah's Director of Lands and Mines to his administration over an alleged theft of rare earth minerals in Kampung Chong in Kedah.

In July 2023, there were fresh allegations against Muhammad Sanusi, linking him with corruption over the theft of REE in Sik district. Subsequently, the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) initiated an investigation into the alleged theft of REE.

Alcoholism remarks
Muhammad Sanusi has been accused by the media for his alleged derogatory statements against minority communities (Indians), which linked them with alcoholism. He had said that the opposition were "drunk on the toddy of popularity" in his speeches without any reference to any community. Following this the minorities protested and called for him to apologize publicly which have the effect of linking alcoholism with certain community themselves. However, Sanusi avoided apologizing and instead called for a ban on the Malaysian Indian Congress Party which caused the chairman of MIC, Tan Sri Vigneswaran to comment that "this is what happens when you pick an ignorant man to be [an] MB".

Enforced demolition of Hindu Temples
Muhammad Sanusi administration enforced the law involving demolition of illegally constructed Hindu temples despite protests from the Indian community. It became a nationwide issue as the administration stance has caused many political leaders, religious leaders and NGO representatives to criticise his actions as insensitive towards Hindus. The DAP suggested that the actual aim of the push for the demolition of temples was to distract from the earlier controversy around the rare earth deposits. Others however supported Sanusi's act on the demolition of the Hindu temples. The Coalitions of Hindu NGOs has requested him to stop the demolition and apologize else to bring the matter to the attention of the Palace through a reactive press conference. Through the press conference, the coalition representatives requested Sanusi to guarantee that the demolitions will stop immediately, however Sanusi responded that everything was happening under the purview of law. Participants of the press conference urged the government to be more proactive and remain sensitive and prepare an ecosystem to secure to the rights of the Hindu community in Malaysia. The president, Navindran Palasendaram, proclaimed that United Malaysian Hindu Voice (UMHV) is also prepared to work hands-on with the government to find a permanent solution for the issues faced by the Hindu temples and communities.

Football racism remarks
During a press conference of Malaysian football club Kedah FA, Muhammad Sanusi acting as the president of the club made racial remarks of its foreign players, by referring to them as 'Awang Hitam' which translates as 'black man' (the word Awang means a man in Malay). In addition, it was also considered one of the derogatory terms used by certain dailies to identify African men.

Thaipusam holiday
On 21 January 2021, Muhammad Sanusi said the Thaipusam festival would not be marked as a public holiday since there is no celebration of the annual festival for the year given the spike in COVID-19 cases, and all public gatherings will be barred. He said the state would allow state assemblyman service centres to operate via drive-through services for the people in their respective constituencies. However, only one-third of devotees will be allowed to pray at temples during the festival.

The MCA has also described Sanusi's decision as illogical and disrespectful of the country's minorities' rights. The MIC deputy president Datuk Seri M. Saravanan said the decision sends a negative signal about PAS to all minorities in the country. "He has planted the seed of fear in the minds of all minorities," said Vell Paari. The former MIC secretary-general said PAS central leadership tried its best to portray the party as being inclusive. He also criticised PAS for saying that MIC did not support PAS during the 14th General Election (GE14) in 2018. He reminded Sanusi that during GE14, PAS was not a component of the Barisan Nasional.

Arrests of critics and COVID-19 Corpse Joke
In August 2021, four people were arrested for allegedly insulting Muhammad Sanusi over his "joke" on the freezer containers to hold corpses of COVID-19 victims. The first arrest was made on a 61-year-old senior citizen who was detained at his house at 3:57 am in Lenggeng, Negeri Sembilan and taken to Sungai Petani, Kedah which is more than 400-kilometer away from the suspect's house, after a police report lodged by Sanusi's special officer, Azizan Hamzah. Two more people were arrested in Mergong Perdana and Kepala Batas after a police report was lodged over the offensive comments made by the two persons on Facebook. An IT analyst from Taiping was the fourth person to be arrested, which prompted the suspect's pregnant wife to comment "I feel that you don’t need to be a MB if you cannot take criticism. Better to just sit down and look through FB comments all day,". The series of arrests and questioning of citizens for their criticisms of a publicly elected official drew sharp rebukes and criticism from the Malaysian public, Centre for Independent Journalism, opposition politicians and a Federal Minister from the ruling government.

Termination of 4-D lottery license renewal
In November 2021, Muhammad Sanusi had sparked another controversy when he announced that the renewal of 4D licenses in Kedah would be stopped. He stated that "This move is to ensure that Kedah will be free from gambling." He also mocked the state of Penang by stating that "Those who want to buy (4-D lottery numbers) can go to Penang".

'Obscene Speech' Controversies in Penang
"Jadi nak takut apa dengan PAS? Pi tengok di Kedah, mana ada satu Cina kita suruh potong lancau (this word was vulgar word), takdak!" Translation: So what is the reason to be afraid with PAS? Go and see in Kedah, none of the Chinese we ask to circumcise their (refers to male reproductive part in Hokkien dialect), there is none!

In the early of June where just several weeks prior to the dissolution of State Legislative Assembly in the six states including Kedah, Muhammad Sanusi in his speech creates another controversy during his visit in a PN political talk programme in Permatang Pauh, Penang had taking to the crowd by saying that none of any Chinese (men) were told to circumcise in Kedah. Based on the video that is going viral related to his speech, Sanusi referred the word for the male reproductive part in Hokkien dialect.

As a result of his sloppy statement during the talks, hundreds of police reports had been lodged by referring to the serious issues. Penang DAP Women Chief who is also Sungai Pinang DAP state rep, Lim Siew Khim after lodged police report at Penang Northeast district station asked for further actions to be taken by the authorities against Sanusi for his poor attitude regarding to his 'foul jokes'.

Another police report also was done by Penangite DAP MP for Bukit Bendera who is also Seri Delima state rep, Syerleena Abdul Rashid after lodged police report at Dang Wangi district police, Kuala Lumpur accompanied by DAP MP for Bangi, Syahredzan Johan. She stated that Sanusi's statement as disgusting as he as a state most senior leader should not ever do so. She warned that the words that were 'spread' by Sanusi during the political talk roadshow may give negative implications to society, as it will badly influence the audiences who may be women, children or even youngsters.

The sole Pakatan Harapan's PKR MP of Kedah for Sungai Petani, Dr Mohammed Taufiq Johari also criticised Sanusi's speech as it reflects his poor behaviour and even illustrated him as illiterate and uncivilised leaders. He told the press that his behaviour does not reflect Kedahans as a whole and must be condemned. He clarify that Kedahans were not rude people because being polite and well-mannered were parts of their culture. Dr Taufiq also begged Sanusi by advising him to show a good image as a leader since Sanusi is considered as a senior leader compared to him.

Sanusi's Controversial Remarks about the Selangor Sultan
"Hebatnya Sultan Kedah ni, bukan koman koman. Sultan tara tu angpa bayang, hang tengok Menteri (Besaq) la ni. Sultan hebat lagu tu tak akan pilih Menteri Besaq cokia macam Amir tu. Inci pun tak berapa cukup."

Translation: How amazing the Sultan of Kedah is, not an ordinary (entity/power). Can you just imagine the great Sultan, see the current Mentri Besar (me). The great Sultan (Kedah) like that won't elect a useless Mentri Besar just like that Amir (Amirudin Shari). He's unfit for duties.

On the night of 11 July 2023, during a political talk in Selayang, a town in the District of Gombak, Selangor for the upcoming 2023 Malaysian state elections, Muhammad Sanusi had reportedly belittled and drawn a comparison between the Kedah and Selangor sultans, and said the Kedah ruler would not have appointed Amirudin Shari as the Menteri Besar. His statement has caused an outrage nationwide, especially for Selangorians because the Malay Royal Instiutions should be respected just as stated in the second Rukun Negara. This is because Malaysia's sultans play a largely ceremonial role, including acting as custodians of Islam in the Muslim-majority country, and are held in deep respect.

Muhammad Sanusi drew comparisons between the Sultan of Kedah (Al-Aminul Karim Sultan Sallehuddin Sultan Badlishah) and the Sultan of Selangor (Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah) in appointing Amirudin as Menteri Besar back in 2018 after an unprecedented win of Pakatan Harapan in the 14th General Elections which he labelled using Kedah-Northern dialect as 'Cokia' (substandard or useless) and body shamed him as 'Inci Pun Tak Berapa Nak Cukup' (unfit for duties).

Due to his statements, numerous police reports have been made and also the representatives on behalf of the Selangor Sultan itself, The Council of Royal Selangor, has lodge a legal action to take Sanusi as a serious (criminal) matter. Datuk Emran Abdul Kadir, one of its members stated that Sanusi must immediately apologise for disputing Sultan's prerogative.

Other notable figures who voiced out against Sanusi were, Hashim Jasin, the Spiritual Leader of PAS reminded Sanusi to watch his mouth. In the contrary, former Minister of Health Khairy Jamaluddin stated that watching his mouth will not change his gung-ho image. Then, UMNO President Ahmad Zahid Hamidi told Kedahans to not vote on a joker as he was referring to Sanusi during the upcoming state polls. Next, The Communications and Digital Minister, Fahmi Fadzil condemned Sanusi's alleged insults against Selangor Sultan by asking him to prepare for the consequences. Same goes to, The Home Affairs Minister, Saifuddin Nasution Ismail which told the press that issues relating with 3R (Race, Religion, and Royalty) has negative consequences which Sanusi must be held accountable for his actions and the government has many other things to do rather than banning his TikTok account.

After the outcry, on the 14 July 2023, made a press conference Sanusi issues a formal apology letter to the Sultan and told the press that his words was taken out of context. Sanusi also confirmed that he had given his statement to the police to complete an investigation into the report launched by PKR Youth and other political parties. He was informed by the Selangor Royal Office that the Sultan has replied his letter which he refused to disclose the contents of the replied letter due to the respect of the nobility of the Selangor Royal Institution.

In response, Menteri Besar Amiruddin Shari was furious about the statement and told that Sanusi should be held accountable for the comments and must act more responsibly as befitting his position. He urges Sanusi to learn from him on how to develop Kedah and stop lying to his voters and the masses. He also puzzled about his apology and remind Malaysians to focus on facts and data to help develop the respective states and country.

On the 17 July 2023, The Commissioner of PAS in Selangor, Ahmad Yunus Hairi and The Selangor Police Chief, Dato Hussein Omar Khan has made an audience with Sultan Sharafuddin to discuss about the matter. Hence, the Selangor Royal Office has made a Royal Decree that 'the issue is yet to be resolved'.

Despite the clarifications and the apology, Sanusi was detained and taken into custody by the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) on the wee hours of 18 July 2023 after the Perikatan Nasional's Supreme Council Meeting held at their headquarters in Solaris Dutamas, Segambut, Kuala Lumpur.

Harian Metro reported that Sanusi was arrested at his hotel room in Mont Kiara by 20 offiers from the Classified Criminal Investigations Department (USJT) and Bukit Aman's Anti-Vice, Gambling, and Secret Societies Division (D7). They ordered him to get out of his room, and taken him to a Toyota Fortuner four-wheel drive heading to the Gombak District Police Headquarters (IPD). He was heavily escorted with the PDRM Selangor Contingent of Crime Investigation Department (JSJ) Vehicles.

According to The Star, his political secretary, Hilmi Abd Wahab, said that Sanusi saw two men in dark clothes standing at the emergency exit. As minutes went by, more and more uniformed men showed up, before finally, at 2.30 am, a total of 20 policemen were reportedly standing outside his hotel room. He was told that Sanusi was detained under Section 4(1)(a) (Act 15) of the Sediction Act which he needs to attend legal proceedings at the Selayang Sessions Court. This was confirmed by the PDRM's Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Razarudin Husain as he stated that investigation papers about 3Rs has been sent to the Attorney General of Malaysia. Included in the papers as well are, PAS President Abdul Hadi Awang, and former Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng. He also included that Sanusi refused to answer calls which leads to his sudden arrest. Hence, it is a seizable offense because the report was lodged by the Selangor Royal Council of which it involves the Agong and Selangor Sultan. Also, Razarudin clarifies that 3R is a serious matter because Sanusi's case could leads to insulting all the other Malay Rulers as well.

Later in the morning, he was seen at the Selayang Sessions Court at 8:55 am. However, Astro Awani during a live broadcast reported that he entered the court using the back entrance in purpose to avoid the media.

According to Free Malaysia Today, Sanusi pleaded not guilty to two charges, both framed under Section 4(1)(a) (Act 15) of the Sedition Act 1948 at two separate courts. The judges of the case were Nor Rajiah Mat Zin and Osman Affendi Mohd Shalleh.

The provision carries a punishment of up to a RM5,000 in fine, three years in jail, or both for first-time offenders. He is said to have committed the offence at Simpang Empat, Taman Selayang Mutiara in Gombak, Selangor, on 11 July. The second charge he faces is in relation to a statement that he made that was "inclined to incite disloyalty against the Rulers". He is said to have committed the same offence at the same place and time for this charge. He was allowed bail of RM5,000 for both charges, and both courts have imposed a gag order on Sanusi to stop him from making any comments regarding the case.

Amid criticism of the use of the controversial Sedition Act against a political opponent, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim stressed that the case relates to "the position and dignity" of Malaysian's monarchs. He further added that he refuse to meddle in the matter as the charges were laid by the Attorney General, after a police investigation that followed the proper procedures.

Meanwhile, Law and Institutional Reforms Minister Azalina Othman Said said that the government was mooting a new law to tackle the so-called 3R issues, to replace the controversial Sedition Act from 1948. She also stated the Sanusi actions will notabsolve criminal offence. The government will hold discussions with relevant parties to assess the matter with stakeholders.

Negative remarks about the Malaysian's Royalty can be prosecuted under a colonial-era law, The Sedition Act 1948, which has been used against people who criticise the Sultans on social media. However, sedition charges brought against Malaysian politicians have been rare in recent years. Neighbouring Thailand has a strict lese-majeste law banning insults against its monarchy.