Judge Aslam Zainuddin made the decision after the prosecution informed the court that the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) had accepted Sanusi’s representation to dismiss the two charges against him, reported Sinar Harian.

“The court orders Sanusi to be discharged and acquitted from one charge,” he said.

The Perikatan Nasional election director was charged with making seditious remarks against royalty last year.

Sanusi was charged with making seditious statements against the Selangor sultan and the Yang di-Pertuan Agong during a ceramah in Gombak on July 11 last year, when he touched on the appointment of the Selangor menteri besar and the establishment of the unity government.

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

The Jeneri assemblyman pleaded not guilty at the Selayang sessions court, and the cases were consolidated and transferred to the Shah Alam High Court on Feb 1 for a joint hearing.

Sanusi submitted a second representation to the AGC after his initial application was rejected in May.

In September, he apologised to Sultan Sharafuddin for “offensive and disrespectful” remarks last year, although he did not specify which remarks he was referring to.

Sanusi said he never intended to make a mockery of the sultan, whom he held in the highest esteem.

The sultan said he accepted the Kedah menteri besar’s apology in the spirit of Islamic brotherhood and solidarity within the Malay community.

“I want to take this opportunity to advise you to always be mindful of your words and behaviour, and not to be too emotional or to use unsavoury words in speaking to the people, especially when in Selangor,” said Sultan Sharafuddin.