SHAH ALAM: Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor's move to issue an apology and seek forgiveness from the Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah over his controversial remarks can be done anytime, although his trial over the case is looming.
Lawyer Awang Armadajaya Awang Mahmud said it was a legal process that is allowed and there is no limitation in terms of time and when to issue the apology.
"And because the laws allow it, we use it to the best of our advantage," he said, when asked on Sanusi's decision to issue the apology despite him already being charged with making the seditious remarks.
Sanusi issued a public apology to Sultan Sharafuddin over his remarks during the state election campaign in July last year.
Sanusi, during a Perikatan Nasional (PN) ceramah in Selayang, was reported to have belittled the appointment of Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shaari by the Sultan of Selangor.
Sanusi gave his word that he would be more careful in making any statement in future and to ensure that his speech is in line with the Malay customs, which are highly respectful of the Malay rulers and the royal institution.
Sultan Sharafuddin said he consented to accepting Sanusi's apology in the name of unity among the Muslims and Malays.
His Majesty advised Sanusi to be mindful of his words and etiquette, avoid being overly emotional and not use inappropriate language when addressing the public, particularly in Selangor.
The ruler said he does not want the people, especially those in Selangor, to be influenced and accustomed to hearing harsh words and baseless accusations, especially from leaders.
On July 18 last year, Sanusi pleaded not guilty at the Selayang Sessions Court to two counts of uttering seditious remarks that could incite disloyalty towards the rulers.
He allegedly uttered seditious and insulting remarks about Sultan Sharafuddin near Taman Selayang Mutiara at 11pm on July 11.
Sanusi was also charged with the same offence when he allegedly uttered seditious remarks questioning Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's statement on the king's decree on the establishment of the unity government.
On July 22 this year, the Shah Alam High Court postponed the trial pending the decision of Sanusi's second representation to the Attorney-General's Chamber (A-GC).
It was Sanusi's second representation after his first was rejected by the A-GC in May, and both sought the dismissal of two sedition charges of uttering seditious remarks against the Sultan of Selangor and the Yang di-Pertuan Agong last year.