Azmi Hassan of Akademi Nusantara said Sanusi’s apology to Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, posted on social media on Friday, may be deemed insincere after he claimed at a recent ceramah that his remarks had been distorted by his political rivals.
Azmi said Sanusi must tender a fresh apology to resolve the issue and reduce the negative perception of PN heading into the state election on Aug 12.
“Sanusi also needs to temper his rhetoric and harsh statements. While they may be liked by PAS supporters, such statements will likely alienate fence-sitters (at the coming state polls),” Azmi told FMT.
Yesterday, Sultan Sharafuddin decreed that issues surrounding Sanusi’s remarks at a recent ceramah “had yet to be resolved”.
Sanusi is set to face two charges at the sessions court in Selayang this morning, believed to be related to remarks he made at a recent ceramah, at which he compared the sultans of Kedah and Selangor, claiming that the Kedah ruler would not have appointed Amirudin Shari as menteri besar.
James Chin of the University of Tasmania agreed that the conflict between Sanusi and the Selangor palace will undermine PN’s campaign in Selangor for the coming state election.
He said Pakatan Harapan and Barisan Nasional will use the issue as proof of Sanusi’s disrespect to the head of state.
“Considering that the Malay rulers are important in the Malay community, I’m sure PH-BN will use it to the fullest to show PAS and Sanusi are un-Malaylike,” Chin said.
State elections will take place in Selangor, Kedah, Kelantan, Terengganu, Penang and Negeri Sembilan on Aug 12.
Stay current - Follow FMT on WhatsApp, Google news and Telegram