Prosecution, not persecution: AG denies political motives behind charges

KUALA LUMPUR – The Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) has denied practicing politically motivated prosecution.

Attorney-General Tan Sri Idrus Harun said in a statement that the chambers’ decision to charge an individual is unbiased, and is based on statements and facts obtained in an investigation.

Prosecution is neither done at any quarters’ behest, nor is it influenced by other factors, he said this evening.

Idrus’ statement comes amid criticism by opposition politicians and supporters of political persecution in the charging of Kedah caretaker menteri besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor for sedition.

“The decision is made based on statements recorded in the investigation paper, and it is done impartially based on the principle of integrity to ensure that victims, witnesses, accused (persons), and the public receive the necessary justice based the attorney-general’s powers, as provided for under Article 145(3) of the federal constitution.

“The AGC denies the allegation that there has been politically motivated selective prosecution and persecution towards any individual who violated the law,” said Idrus.

Idrus stressed that an individual would be prosecuted if there is solid evidence that the person had committed an offence.

“Prosecution is based on provisions of the law, regardless of the accused person’s status and background,” the attorney-general said.

Sanusi, who is Perikatan Nasional elections director, pleaded not guilty yesterday to two charges of sedition: one is for allegedly insulting the Selangor sultan over the state's menteri besar’s appointment, while the other is for criticising the unity government’s formation.

Sanusi is accused of making these statements with seditious intent in a political speech in Gombak last weekend. – The Vibes, July 19, 2023