KUALA LUMPUR: Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor's sedition trial slated to commence next week at the Selayang Sessions Court has been vacated.
Judge Nor Rajiah Mat Zin vacated the trial dates today after the Pas lawman was allowed to transfer the cases to the Shah Alam High Court yesterday.
On both charges, Sanusi, 50, was alleged to have uttered seditious words regarding the appointment of Selangor Menteri Besar and the establishment of the unity government at Simpang 4, Taman Selayang Mutiara.
They are framed under Section 4(1)(a) of the Sedition Act 1948 and punishable under Section 4(1) of the same law, which provides a maximum fine of up to RM5,000 or imprisonment for up to three years or both if convicted.
The court has fixed Feb 5, 8, 9, 13, 15, 16, 19, 22, 23, as well as March 11, 15, and 18 for the trial dates.
However, High Court Judge Datuk Aslam Zainuddin yesterday allowed the case to be transferred to his court.
In today's proceeding, Deputy Public Prosecutor Abdul Malik Ayob updated the court on the latest developments.
He also said Sanusi's application to postpone his trial before Rajiah has become academic.
"I confirmed that Shah Alam High Court has allowed Sanusi's application to transfer the case.
"Thus, we are seeking for this court to vacate the trial dates," he said.
Counsel Mohd Tajuddin Abdul Razak appeared for the Jenerai assemblyman.
During a PN ceramah in Selayang, Sanusi was reported to have belittled Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari's appointment by the Sultan of Selangor.
The Selangor Royal Office issued a statement saying that Sanusi's remark in one of the ceramahs held in Selangor recently was considered an insult to the Selangor Royal Institution.
Sanusi also drew comparisons between the Sultan of Kedah (Al-Aminul Karim Sultan Sallehuddin Sultan Badlishah) and the Sultan of Selangor, saying Sultan Sharafuddin's choice was "cokia" (substandard).
Following this, he sent a warkah (letter) to Sultan Sharafuddin to explain his remarks and also apologised to the sultan after police reports were lodged against him.
Police received more than 50 police reports against Sanusi over his speech.