DAP leaders pan Kula over brief meeting with Arun at court

2026-03-18 - 05:10

Syahredzan Johan, Young Syefura Othman, Syerleena Abdul Rashid, and Sheikh Umar Bagharib Ali said deputy minister M Kulasegaran’s court visit raises concerns over judicial integrity. PETALING JAYA: Four DAP leaders have criticised a deputy minister from their party for meeting Arun Doraisamy outside court just before the activist was slapped with public mischief charges, saying his presence has raised public concerns over judicial integrity. DAP vice-chairman Syahredzan Johan, assistant national publicity secretary Young Syefura Othman, central leadership member Sheikh Umar Bagharib Ali, and Bukit Bendera MP Syerleena Abdul Rashid said they respected M Kulasegaran as a party veteran, but disagreed with his appearance at the Penang Jawi court complex yesterday. “We take note of his explanation regarding this issue. However, his role in government requires a higher level of sensitivity towards public perception, particularly regarding the principle that justice must not only be administered but also be seen to be administered,” they said in a joint statement. The DAP leaders also said that shows of solidarity with Arun did not represent the party’s official position. “We hold the position that DAP should adopt a balanced approach: uphold the principles of justice and ‘innocent until proven guilty’, and respect the legitimacy of legal processes while avoiding any actions that could create perceptions of interference or bias,” they added. Kulasegaran, the deputy law and institutional reform minister, said he had been in Penang since Monday and only stopped by court on his way back. He also said he did not enter the courtroom. The Ipoh Barat MP said he became acquainted with Arun after representing M Indira Gandhi in her legal challenge concerning her children. The deputy minister’s visit sparked criticism, including from PKR, after Arun was formally charged in the magistrates’ court with making statements conducive to public mischief.