KUALA LUMPUR – Bersatu’s Kijal assemblyman and Terengganu executive councillor Datuk Razali Idris today pleaded not guilty to sedition at the sessions court here.
Razali, who is party information chief, claimed trial to uttering a statement alleging the judiciary, particularly the judges, as well as the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission and government machinery, were under Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s control.
He was accused of uttering such statements when commenting on the recent conviction of Muar MP Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman and the discharge not amounting to acquittal granted in September to Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
The offence was said to have taken place on November 10, between 9.30pm and 11.30pm at Padang Astaka Chukai, in Kemaman, Terengganu.
Razali, who is a second-term senator, was read the charge before judge Priscilla Hemamalini Nadarajan.
He was charged under Section 4(1) of the Sedition Act 1948, which carries a maximum RM5,000 fine or three years’ jail or both upon conviction.
Kuala Lumpur prosecution director Datin Kalmizah Salleh applied for a RM10,000 bail and a gag order refraining Razali from making comments or statements regarding his case.
However, Razali’s lawyer Hasshahari Johari Mawi pleaded for a RM1,000 bail for his client on account that he is a politician, a senator and Terengganu exco member, who is also a family man.
Judge Priscilla then decided on a RM6,000 bail with a gag order on Razali.
Case mention is fixed on December 8. – November 24, 2023