'Since when sultan's wrath is basis for probe?'

 

Constitutional expert Abdul Aziz Bari has advised the police to be mindful of the law and not to act in a "mechanical" fashion.

"And since when has the sultan's wrath become a reason to investigate?"

"The police should be mindful of the law, apply their mind to the issue at hand. Don't just act mechanically," the vocal academician said in a statement.

Aziz was commenting on the investigations under the Sedition Act against PAS leader Khalid Samad (right), whose remarks regarding the Selangor Islamic Affairs Council (Mais) angered the sultan.

He said the Shah Alam MP had merely suggested amending the law to curb Mais’ executive powers and did not mention the sultan.

"It was others who linked his suggestion with the sultan's position and power. Khalid did not say anything about the sultan.

"What's wrong about making the suggestion? Since when has a suggestion to amend the law pertaining to a corporation like Mais become seditious?" he asked.

Aziz noted that the issue had become a hot topic when the sultan rebuked Khalid on Tuesday for his remarks made almost a month ago.

Yesterday, Khalid apologised to the sultan but at the same time expressed confusion as to which part of his statement had angered the ruler.

The PAS leader is also seeking an audience with the sultan to explain his stand.

Khalid had called for the amendment after Mais refused to return the seized Malay and Iban language copies of the Bible seized from the Bible Society of Malaysia in January this year.