KEDAH caretaker Menteri Besar Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor has apologised to the Selangor sultan for remarks he allegedly made against the monarchy.

He however said his words were taken out of context by his political rivals.

In “What’s in a word?”, I explained words can carry three meanings:

(1) literal meaning

(2) inferential meaning or implication

(3) secondary meaning

Only the first and second meanings are of concern here. They are known as the natural and ordinary meanings, respectively.

The natural and ordinary meanings may include any implication or inference the words would convey to an ordinary man – the reasonable man.

If words are understood by the reasonable man by way of implication or inference, can it be said that the words so understood are spun by him?

Words matter, so mind your words. – July 17, 2023.

* Hafiz Hassan reads The Malaysian Insight.

* This is the opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insight. Article may be edited for brevity and clarity.