SUNGAI PETANI: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has insisted the law enforcement agencies should take necessary action against Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor despite the Kedah caretaker Menteri Besar apologising to the Sultan of Selangor.
Zahid, who is also Umno president stressed that the move was necessary as the Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain had repeatedly warned all parties to refrain from touching on race, religion and royalty (3Rs) issues.
"I think the best thing is for the (law) enforcement agencies to proceed taking necessary action since this matter involved the royalty and race.
"We all are aware that the IGP has reminded that three main matters should not be touched, furthermore if it reached to the extent of insulting and many parties have responded to the issue, including the Spiritual Leader from the party itself (Pas)," he told reporters after launching the Kedah Barisan Nasional and Umno state election machinery at Maktab Rendah Sains Mara (MRSM) Merbok here today.
Zahid, who is also BN chairman and Umno president was asked to respond on Sanusi 's statement today that he had extended an apology to Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah.
Earlier today, Sanusi was reported as saying that he has sent a warkah (letter) to the sultan of Selangor to explain his remarks that were allegedly insulting to the Selangor royal institution. Sanusi also apologised to the sultan of Selangor.
The Perikatan Nasional national election director, however, claimed the comments he made during a PN rally recently were twisted by agents of Pakatan Harapan (PH) and BN to cause a misunderstanding.
The apology from Sanusi came on the heels of several police reports lodged against him as well as criticism including from Pas spiritual leader Datuk Hashim Jasin, who was quoted as telling the caretaker Kedah menteri besar and other party leaders to watch their language when commenting on the 3Rs - race, religion and royalty.
It was also reported that police have launched an investigation into Sanusi for the remarks he allegedly made during the ceramah.
Sanusi has also confirmed that he had given his statement to the police at about 2am yesterday to complete an investigation into the report launched by PKR Youth and other parties.
Commenting further, Zahid said the culture of uttering disparaging and defamation remarks before apologising is not acceptable.
"This culture should be rejected by the people at large regardless of their religion, in particular by the Muslims.
"It seems slandering others have become their (PN) culture, what more if it involved using cursing words.
"If we wish to air our opinion, we should presenting the facts and to manage differences in opinions with wisdom, not through immoral act," he said.
Thus, Zahid stressed that Sanusi should apply his own advice to 'taubat nasuha' (sincere repentance) 48 times on himself.