THE investigation on Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor and the Penang-Kedah land ownership issue had nothing to do with political grudges, said Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.
Rumours were circulating online that the investigations were politically motivated and that the government had political grudges against its opponents.
However, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim also denied claims that he was using the judiciary to seek political revenge against certain individuals.
Anwar said he has always respected the judiciary in the country and that this includes not interfering in decisions made by the Attorney-General (AG) or judges on any case.
“If revenge was on my mind or my intention, many would have been sent to Sungai Buloh prison already, but I know the need to defend the principles of adhering to the law.
“Who is to be investigated, charged, is not within my powers, my powers are limited to ensuring the duties of institutions related to security and safety are being carried out without fear or favour,” said the PM in a speech when attending the ‘Cikgu Anda’ theatre programme last night (June 10).
Meanwhile, Saifuddin added that the investigations into Sanusi had nothing to do with political grudges, adding that the probe was carried out based on professional principles.
He pointed out that when there is no action taken by the government against offensive statements by politicians, the authorities are perceived as being toothless.
“When there is no action taken against a statement believed to cause anxiety to the public, the government may be seen as having no fangs and having no courage to take action while the people are anxious.
“Issues that had been resolved were also mentioned again. But when the police act on it, some parties accused them of taking action because of politics,” he told reporters in a press conference yesterday.
Saifuddin noted that parties should not throw accusations around when they are at the centre of an investigation.
“They should not make any assumptions but instead wait until the investigation process has proceeded to the next stage,”. – June 11, 2023
Main photo credit: Bernama
