19-7-2023 (KUALA LUMPUR) The recent arrest of Kedah’s caretaker Menteri Besar, Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor, at 3 am has drawn comparisons to the 1998 arrest of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, according to analysts. Political observers predict that the detention and sedition charges against Sanusi will only boost his popularity, with his supporters viewing him as a hero. Sunway University political scientist Wong Chin Huat expressed that the midnight arrest has portrayed Sanusi as a victim of political persecution, as there seemed to be no necessity to detain him in such a manner. Wong cautioned that the authorities may face consequences in the upcoming state polls if they fail to handle the situation appropriately.
According to Inspector-General of Police Razarudin Husain, the police detained Sanusi after unsuccessful attempts to reach him by phone. Sanusi was later charged with sedition in the Sessions Court for his ceramah (public speech) on July 11, accused of uttering words that incited disloyalty against a ruler. Despite the charges, analysts believe that the high-handed approach taken by the authorities will only further elevate Sanusi’s status as a “martyr” among his supporters. Wong emphasized that Sanusi’s populist image, coupled with allegations of selective prosecution, could play to his advantage in garnering sympathy votes and rallying support for Perikatan Nasional (PN) in the state election.
Analyst Azmil Mohd Tayeb shares Wong’s views, stating that the recent events surrounding Sanusi are unlikely to hinder his chances of success in the upcoming polls. On the contrary, Azmil believes that the situation aligns with Sanusi’s narrative, allowing him to use his predicament as campaigning ammunition to mobilize PN supporters to vote. While Sanusi could potentially use the sentiment of political witch-hunt to his advantage, Universiti Malaya academic Awang Azman Awang Pawi reminds that Sanusi has been issued a gag order not to speak about the trial in public. Any violation of this order could lead to legal repercussions.
Meanwhile, Amanah deputy president Salahuddin Ayub holds a different view, suggesting that prosecuting Sanusi may not lead to a surge in support for him and PAS. Salahuddin believes that the people will carefully assess the situation and adhere to the principles of not going overboard in their support for politicians. Nonetheless, analysts warn that the sedition charges against Sanusi might sway fence-sitters during the state elections, particularly in Selangor, where his remarks on the state’s royal institution have caused dissatisfaction among the public. The outcome of these events and how they resonate with voters remain to be seen in the forthcoming state polls.
