Both charges against the caretaker Kedah menteri besar were brought under Section 4(1)(a) of the Sedition Act 1948, which provides for a fine of up to RM5,000 or imprisonment for up to three years, or both, upon conviction.

“Yes, fundamentally, we avoid the use of the Sedition Act. However, when it comes to matters concerning the positions of the rulers … when it comes to the position and dignity of the rulers … this is something we should uphold and prevent from turning into unhealthy political discourse,” he said after officiating the Sentuhan Agro Madani programme at MSekin Wonderland here today.

Sanusi pleaded not guilty to the two charges which relate to his speech at a ceramah in Gombak on July 11.

Anwar said he does not want to interfere in the Sanusi case.

“Let them follow the process, the police will do the investigation and the attorney-general will make a decision.

“I do not want to interfere, and let’s respect the court process,” he said.

Meanwhile, Lawyers for Liberty repeated its call for the immediate suspension of the Sedition Act, pending repeal at the next parliamentary meeting.

It said the Act is a remnant of a “notorious colonial law” that most Commonwealth countries have already scrapped.

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