Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor controversies

Muhammad Sanusi with his famous hand salute.

Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor is the 14th Menteri Besar of Kedah and 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.

Incidents of racism

Alcoholism remarks

The media have criticized Muhammad Sanusi for his alleged derogatory statements against minority communities (Indians), which linked them with alcoholism. He had said that the opposition was "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 had the effect of linking alcoholism with certain communities. 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".

Football remarks

During a press conference of Malaysian football club Kedah FA, Muhammad Sanusi acting as the president of the club made racial remarks about 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.

Demolition of Hindu Temples

The press conference organized by the Hindu NGO Coalition requesting the minister to apologize for his statement and stop temple demolition works immediately.

Sanusi's administration enforced the law involving the demolition of illegally constructed Hindu temples despite protests from the Indian community. It became a nationwide issue as the administration's stance has caused many political leaders, religious leaders, and NGO representatives to criticize 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.

Water conflicts between Kedah and Penang

The Muda River forms a natural boundary between Kedah and neighboring Penang. The river is an important water catchment for both states, with Penang obtaining more than 80% of its raw water supply from the river. In December 2020, Muhammad Sanusi threatened to dam and redirect the river away from Penang unless the Penang government paid Kedah RM50 million per year as compensation. Penang chief minister Chow Kon Yeow rebuffed the demand and defended the state's riparian rights, causing Sanusi to remark that he would "get villagers to place sandbags to choke off the water supply to Penang". Tensions rose between the two states as Sanusi again threatened in March 2021 that Penang would only get "mud" instead of water and that he was ready to take the matter to court. The water dispute prompted Penang authorities to cut the state's reliance on the Muda River by negotiating with Perak over alternative water sources, leading to Perak agreeing to distribute treated water from the Kerian River to Penang.

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

In November 2021, Muhammad Sanusi 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 stating that "Those who want to buy (4-D lottery numbers) can go to Penang".

'Obscene Speech' 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 of 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 early June, just several weeks before the dissolution of the State Legislative Assembly in the six states including Kedah, Sanusi made a speech that led to another controversy during his visit to a PN political talk programme in Permatang Pauh, talking 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 to the word for the male reproductive part in the Hokkien dialect.

As a result of his statement during the talks, hundreds of police reports were lodged, referring to the serious issues. Penang DAP Women Chief who is also Sungai Pinang DAP state rep, Lim Siew Khim after lodging a 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 was made 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 was disgusting as he was the State's most senior leader and 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 they 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 clarified 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 a senior leader compared to him.

Claiming Penang as part of Kedah

At a ceremony celebrating the boundary delineation between Kedah and Perlis in May 2023, Muhammad Sanusi, in a fit of revanchism, claimed that "Penang belongs to Kedah". He said that "There is no such thing as the Kedah-Penang border. Our state border ends near the island there (Balik Pulau). How can it (Kedah-Penang border) be measured? Which gazette should we use?".

Sanusi's claim that Penang belonged to Kedah caused an uproar in Penang. Penang chief minister Chow Kon Yeow threatened to see Sanusi "in court over the matter", while Chow's predecessor Lim Guan Eng and member of parliament for Jelutong RSN Rayer lodged police reports against Sanusi. A motion raised by Lim, the elected representative for Air Putih, in the Penang Legislative Assembly condemning Sanusi was passed, while Lim warned that Sanusi's revanchism was motivated by the upcoming election that year. Prime minister Anwar Ibrahim, who hailed from Penang, blasted Sanusi for failing to understand the constitution that defined Penang as a sovereign state.

In response, Sanusi first claimed that he was misquoted by the media, and later said that he was merely attempting to "correct the history which had been exploited since the British occupation". In July 2024, he announced that a Kedah team is expected to produce their findings about the historical status of Kedah and Penang by December. Chief minister Chow rebuffed Sanusi, telling him to accept that Penang is an independent state.

Disputing Selangor's development

In July 2023, Muhammad Sanusi claimed that Selangor's development was only possible because it surrounds Kuala Lumpur and that it could not be considered "an exemplary PH state". Sanusi also claimed that if it was his state Kedah that surrounds Kuala Lumpur, instead of Selangor, Kedah would also reap the economic benefits.

Former member of parliament for Kapar Manivannan Gowindasamy retorted that Kedah would have been more developed if it had been led by a menteri besar like Selangor's Amirudin Shari for a full term. Former representative for Dusun Tua Edry Faizal reminded Sanusi that Kedah borders Penang and yet lagged behind in economic development while telling Sanusi to develop his own state rather than claiming that Penang belongs to Kedah. Edry added that "Selangor is lucky not to have a leader like Sanusi. Otherwise, he would want to lay claim to Kuala Lumpur as well". Amirudin joined in the condemnations of Sanusi, cynically questioning Sanusi's policies and offering to share tips on leadership when he visits Kedah. "Kedah is next to Penang, but what is the impact? Penang has the highest economic position after Selangor and Kuala Lumpur, but Kedah is still contributing below five percent to the gross domestic product," Amirudin said.

As late as February 2024, Sanusi continued to express his disdain for Selangor and Kuala Lumpur, saying that "without those two, Kedah would be number one in terms of investment".

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 outrage nationwide, especially for Selangorians because the Malay Royal Institutions 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 labeled 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, including by representatives on behalf of the Selangor Sultan. The Council of Royal Selangor has lodged 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. On 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. The same goes for the Home Affairs Minister, Saifuddin Nasution Ismail who told the press that issues relating to 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 14 July 2023, made a press conference Sanusi issued a formal apology letter to the Sultan and told the press that his words were 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 said 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 how to develop Kedah and stop lying to his voters and the masses. He is also puzzled about his apology and reminds Malaysians to focus on facts and data to help develop the respective states and countries.

On 17 July 2023, The Commissioner of PAS in Selangor, Ahmad Yunus Hairi, and The Selangor Police Chief, Dato Hussein Omar Khan held an audience with Sultan Sharafuddin to discuss 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 officers 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 took 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 led 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 lead 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 RM5,000 in fine, three years in jail, or both for first-time offenders. He is said to have committed the offense at Simpang Empat, Taman Selayang Mutiara in Gombak, Selangor, on 11 July. The second charge he faces is about a statement that he made that was "inclined to incite disloyalty against the Rulers". He is said to have committed the same offense 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 Malaysia's monarchs. He further added that he refused 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 not absolve criminal offence. The government will hold discussions with relevant parties to assess the matter with stakeholders.

Negative remarks about Malaysia'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. Neighboring Thailand has a strict lese-majeste law banning insults against its monarchy.

Spreading the Green Wave to Johor and Singapore

Muhammad Sanusi with his famous hand salute while in Johor

Leading to the Simpang Jeram by-election, Muhammad Sanusi arrived at Simpang Jeram on 24 August 2023, proclaiming that "the wave that broke out in the recent six state elections will reach Johor and even go all the way to Singapore". He also urged voters to "experiment" on the ballot box by voting PAS as the first step towards taking over the Johor government in the next state election. Larkin representative Mohd Hairi Mad Shah then warned Sanusi to not bring his impolite manners (loqlaq) to Johor or subvert sentiments against the state's royalty.

A manipulated video made its way to social media, showing Sanusi being welcomed by a mob at Simpang Jeram. Police investigations concluded that the video was fake. Sanusi later distanced himself from the video, claiming that he was not aware of the video until it was reported by the media.

See also

• Corruption in Malaysia
• Green Wave (Malaysia)
• Malay Agenda