The Sessions Court in Kuala Lumpur has scheduled a five-day trial starting from April 22 to hear the case of Kijal assemblyman Senator Datuk Razali Idris, who is facing charges for delivering a speech of a seditious nature. The alleged offense occurred at the launch of the Perikatan Nasional election machinery for the Kemaman parliamentary by-election between 9.30pm and 11.30pm on Nov 10.
During the speech, Razali, who is also Bersatu Information chief, is accused of making insulting remarks by asserting that the judiciary was being controlled by the government. The 57-year-old was charged with uttering the alleged seditious words at Padang Astaka Chukai, Kemaman in Terengganu.
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Judge N. Priscilla Hemamalini has set the hearing date for April 22 to 26 after the case was brought up for mention on Friday (Dec 8).
At the mention, Razali’s lawyer Hasshahari Johari Mawi stated that the defense had received documents related to the case from the prosecution and requested a hearing date. DPP Nurilya Ellyna Nor Azmal confirmed the submission of the documents to the defense.
Razali, who is also Terengganu tourism, culture, environment, and climate change committee chairman, pleaded not guilty to the charge on Nov 24.
If convicted, Razali can be punished under Section 4 (1) of the Sedition Act 1948, which provides for a fine of up to RM5,000 or imprisonment for up to three years, or both, as mandated by Section 4 (1) (b) of the same law. – Bernama
