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PETALING JAYA: Kedah Menteri Besar Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor (pix) must apologize for his statements in recent weeks or face a possible charge under the Sedition Act for inciting inter-racial hostility.
Political analyst Dr. Asri Salleh believes that the politician should first apologize.
“It is up to the relevant authorities to decide (if he should be charged). But Sanusi should make amends in his capacity as a mentri kisser or as a member of the Kedah state legislature, ”he told the Sun.
But Asri added that Sanusi’s comments would not result in his resignation and that he will be there for the foreseeable future.
He said that while the politician was trying to make a point with his statement on toddy, it could have been better worded.
Sanusi had first angered the Hindu community by the demolition of the Sri Raja Muniswarar Temple in Kuala Kedah, believed to be over 50 years old.
He failed to keep his promise to inform Human Resources Minister Datuk M. Saravanan about the demolition, then proceeded to say it was “a little problem” and lashed out at critics of DAP and MIC not to “get drunk on the toddy of the popularity”.
Toddy is an alcoholic drink made from coconut flower nectar, which is popular with the Indian community.
However, politicians who make racist statements are not uncommon in the country.
Recently, Pasir Puteh MP Nik Muhammad Zawawi Salleh said that the Bible had been distorted from its original meaning and that all religions should prohibit the consumption of alcohol.
After much pressure from the Christian community, the PAS politician finally apologized for his comments in Parliament last month.
But Sanusi had done much worse than Zawawi.
He also threatened to cut off the raw water supply to Penang if 50 million ringgit was not paid to Kedah each year as compensation for Penang drawing raw water from Sungai Muda in Kedah.
Asri said the threat from Sanusi will not materialize.
“There is too much at stake here, especially in the industry. Sanusi knows very well what not to do. This is a matter of state and can be resolved amicably. Getting to the conference table is the answer rather than a public dispute. “
A geologist, who requested anonymity, said Penang will face big problems if its raw water supply is cut off abruptly.
“The Penang government will need to find other water alternatives, but it will take time. They should study the volume of rainwater necessary for consumption, as well as the rain pattern. They also need to study the geological factors of the state itself, ”he said.
The geologist added that flooding could be a potential long-term problem if Sungai Muda’s water supply is cut off.
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