KUALA LUMPUR – Four Malay leaders of DAP have voiced concern over the appearance of Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reforms) M. Kulasegaran at the court proceedings of activist Arun Dorasamy, saying the incident has raised questions over the integrity of Malaysia’s legal system.
In a joint statement on Wednesday, DAP central executive committee members Sheikh Umar Bagharib Ali, Young Syefura Othman and Syahredzan Johan, along with Bukit Bendera MP Syerleena Abdul Rashid, said they respected Kulasegaran as a party veteran but disagreed with his decision to meet Arun at court during the hearing.
They said the move had ignited public debate, particularly in light of Kulasegaran’s role in overseeing law and institutional reforms.
“The action has sparked public polemics over the integrity of the country’s legal system.
“We take note of his explanation on this matter; however, his position in the government requires a higher level of sensitivity to public perception, particularly regarding the principle that justice must not only be done, but must also be seen to be done.
“We also wish to confirm that there has been no party decision to express any inclination on this issue.
“As such, any act of solidarity towards Arun Doraisamy does not represent DAP’s position.
“In this matter, we are of the view that DAP should adopt a middle-ground approach by upholding the principles of justice, including ‘innocent until proven guilty’, as well as the legitimacy of the legal process, while at the same time avoiding any action that could give rise to perceptions of interference or bias,” the statement said.
Kulasegaran earlier denied being in court when Arun was charged at the Jawi Magistrate’s Court in Penang on Tuesday, insisting he only briefly met the activist outside the complex to advise him to trust the legal process.
His presence drew criticism across the political spectrum. Bersatu vice-president Datuk Dr Mohd Radzi Jidin questioned the appropriateness of a deputy minister attending court alongside an accused individual, saying:
“Is it appropriate for a deputy minister in the Prime Minister’s Department to be present in court with an accused individual?
“The government must provide an immediate explanation.”
Johor PKR Youth chief Mohd Faezuddin Puad echoed the concern, stressing that clarification was necessary to avoid perceptions of political bias.
“We do not want this matter to give the wrong impression to the public, as if the government is siding with Arun or trying to show political support towards him.
“We are also concerned that this action could damage the image of the Madani Government and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in the eyes of Malaysians,” he said in an online post.
Arun, 56, appeared at court accompanied by Kulasegaran and his legal team to face a charge under Section 505(b) of the Penal Code linked to a video circulated on WhatsApp. He pleaded not guilty to making statements intended to cause public alarm.
The charge stems from a video allegedly recorded on March 12, 2025, in Batu Kawan, in which Arun called on the Hindu religious association Pertubuhan Hindu Agamam Ani Malaysia to stage a street protest, following a controversy involving independent preacher Muhammad Zamri Vinoth Kalimuthu and three local radio presenters. Zamri faced a similar charge earlier in the day.
Lawyer Datuk Zainul Rijal Abu Bakar questioned Kulasegaran’s presence, suggesting it could be perceived as interference in the judicial process.
“Deputy Minister, focus on your duties. Let the law take its course.
“We can already see differences — one accused was not handcuffed while another in Kuala Lumpur was. This may be the implication of the deputy minister’s presence,” he said in a Facebook post. – March 18, 2026