Sanusi S Detention Conjures Memories Of Anwar S 1998 Arrest Analyst

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The caretaker Kedah menteri besar Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor’s arrest at 3am has conjured memories of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s arrest in 1998, said an analyst.
Political observers who spoke to Malaysiakini concurred that the detention and sedition charges against Sanusi (above, right) will only propel the PAS leader into further popularity, with his supporters hoisting him as a hero.
Sunway University political scientist Wong Chin Huat opined that the midnight arrest has made Sanusi appear as a victim of political persecution.
“There was no need for the police to arrest him (Sanusi) at midnight. He’s a (caretaker) menteri besar, he’s not going to run. This is seen as an abuse of power. If he didn't turn up at the court, the police can go after him later.
“It reminds the people of what Anwar went through (in a very high-handed manner) on Sept 20, 1998, unfortunately.
“I will not make accusations that this is directed by Putrajaya or the minister, but the Madani government will pay the price for this unless they know how to reverse the (‘Green Wave’) tide in the coming four weeks (ahead of state polls),” Wong told Malaysiakini.
Sunway University political analyst Wong Chin HuatAccording to Inspector-General of Police Razarudin Husain, the police detained Sanusi in the wee hours after he failed to answer their phone calls.
Razarudin, at a press conference earlier, said the police tried to locate Sanusi in Kedah and later in Kuala Lumpur where he was scheduled to attend an interview with Astro Awani but could not find him.
Following the early morning arrest, Sanusi was slapped with two charges of sedition at the Sessions Court in Selayang over his ceramah on July 11.
Both charges accused him of uttering words that had the tendency to incite disloyalty against a ruler.
Sanusi has claimed trial for both charges.
‘Sanusi, a martyr’
Wong was of the view that the authorities’ high-handed approach to Sanusi will only turn him into a “bigger hero” in the eyes of his supporters.
If the Pakatan Harapan-BN government fail to play their cards well, Wong said the saga surrounding Sanusi will probably steer the state election results in the favour of Perikatan Nasional.
“This has made Sanusi a martyr in the eyes of his supporters and sympathisers.
“You can’t destroy a populist like him with charges. He would only get more popular. The people see (Sanusi) as someone who dares to challenge the establishment.
“So I fear that if this is not handled well, and the people are unwilling to respond to the ‘Sanusi phenomenon’ in a smarter way, we would see the backlash on our democracy, constitutional monarchy and of course, multiculturalism,” he said.
Berita Harian reported that over 1,000 supporters had gathered at Sultan Abdul Halim Airport Arrival Hall in Alor Setar, Kedah this evening in solidarity with Sanusi.
Videos posted to social media showed his supporters chanting “Allahuakbar” upon the incumbent Jeneri assemblyperson’s arrival around 4.30pm today.
The Malay daily also reported that supporters had been gathering there as early as 3pm.
Campaigning ammo?
Sharing Wong’s sentiments, analyst Azmil Mohd Tayeb said the recent development surrounding Sanusi will not affect his chance of emerging victorious in the looming state polls.
Azmil Mohd TayebIn fact, Azmil said, it fits perfectly into the Kedah PN chief’s narrative to gain sympathy votes as the state election looms.
He also asserted that Sanusi will not pass up on the opportunity to use his predicament as campaigning ammunition.
“I think for him, all along, all these inflammatory remarks are targeted towards specific groups, firing up PN supporters to go to the polls and vote. This arrest is just part of that.
“It doesn’t have much impact in denting his popularity or momentum.
“He can say that it’s a selective prosecution, a political witch-hunt and it will work well with his supporters.”
However, Universiti Malaya academic Awang Azman Awang Pawi had a different view.
Pointing out that Sanusi was issued with a gag order to bar him from speaking about the trial in public, Awang Azman said the former would find himself in trouble with the law, again, if he persisted to speak out about what happened to him.
“I think Sanusi is free to use this sentiment to attract sympathy from his supporters, but he has to be aware that it can be considered contempt of court.
“But this won’t stop Sanusi or PN’s supporters to use this sentiment to garner maximum support,” he told Malaysiakini.
Tough for PN to penetrate S’gor
Awang Azman said the court cases against Sanusi will pose a threat to PN’s attempt to make inroads in Selangor.
Universiti Malaya academic Awang Azman Awang Pawi“Based on the netizens’ sentiments on social media, especially among the people of Selangor, Sanusi’s remark on the state’s royal institution had raised dissatisfaction to the point that some NGOs had made the same report (against Sanusi).
“I think Sanusi’s behaviour will make it more challenging and difficult for PN to penetrate Selangor,” he said.
He added that the sedition charges against Sanusi will possibly drive fence-sitters away during the state elections.
“Fence-sitters, for instance, will look at this issue and rethink Sanusi’s popularity and if he’s playing with sentiments or rhetoric.
“Are his campaign speeches really based on data, facts or statistics…for example, on economic achievements or financial reserves?” he asked.
Meanwhile, Amanah deputy president Salahuddin Ayub appears to disagree that prosecuting Sanusi would lead to a wave of support for him and PAS.
Amanah deputy president Salahuddin Ayub“I do not think it will spark a giant wave for the people to support such politicians.
“The people can judge and hold to the principles of not going overboard or going beyond the limit,” Bernama quoted him as saying. - Mkini

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