IPOH: Kampar member of Parliament Chong Zhemin today lodged a police report against Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Noor over his seditious remarks on Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing.
Chong said that he made the police report after Muhammad Sanusi, during the Kedah State Legislative Sitting, had insulted Tiong by calling him a 'bald-headed and bulging bellied Buddha sitting under a banana tree'.
"Sanusi's statement has insulted and belittled Buddhism and can cause feelings of heartache or hostility between one race or religion with another in Malaysia," he said in a statement today.
Chong said although the Jeneri assemblyman made the statement in the Kedah assembly sitting session, his statement was not covered by the immunity of the House if it violates the Sedition Act 1948.
"As Jelutong member of Parliament, (RSN) Rayer was once investigated for his statements made in the Penang state assembly sitting under the Sedition Act.
"And also former member of Parliament (Permatang Pauh) Nurul Izzah (Anwar) was investigated under the Sedition Act regarding her statements made in Parliament.
"I urge the police to investigate the statement made by Sanusi under the Sedition Act 1948 and take appropriate action," he said.
Muhammad Sanusi made the remark at the Kedah state assembly on Wednesday while accusing Tiong of failing to provide feedback after meeting with representatives from the Thai government in Southern Thailand last month.
Muhammad Sanusi also commented that Tiong did not have a "face that attracted tourists".
Today, Tiong advised Muhammad Sanusi to watch his mouth if he was serious about bringing more tourists to visit the state.
He said this in response to whether he would ask Sanusi to apologise and retract his comment against him.