PETALING JAYA: Kedah Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor's trial on two charges under the Sedition Act 1948 has been slated for January next year.
The proceedings have been fixed for 12 days, for Jan 18 and 19 and thereafter on Feb 5, 8, 9, 12, 13, 15, 16, 19, 22 and 23.
Selayang Sessions Court judge Nor Rajiah Mat Zin set the dates on Wednesday (Oct 4) after the prosecution and defence agreed to it.
During the proceeding, DPP Datuk Masri Mohd Daud suggested an early trial date as the case was of public importance with 10 witnesses to be called by the prosecution.
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However, defence lawyer Awang Armadajaya Awang Mahmud said proceedings should be held next year, Sinar Harian reported.
The court was also informed that the prosecution had applied to amend the two charges against Muhammad Sanusi, who is also Jeneri assemblyman and Perikatan Nasional election director.
Before this, Muhammad Sanusi was charged under Section 4(1)(a) of the Sedition Act 1948. This was later amended to Section 4(1)(b) of the same Act.
When the amended charges were read by the court interpreter, Muhammad Sanusi said: "I understand, Your Honour, (and) plead not guilty."
According to the amended charges, he is accused of uttering seditious words in Simpang 4, Taman Selayang Mutiara, Kampung Bendahara, Gombak at 11pm on July 11.
If found guilty, he is liable to a fine of up to RM5,000 or up to three years' jail, or both.
In addition to Masri, DPPs Abdul Malik Ayob, Nor Azizah Aling and Nadia Mohd Izhar also appeared for the prosecution.
Muhammad Sanusi was represented by eight lawyers.
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In a separate court earlier, Sessions judge Osman Affendi Mohd Shalleh allowed one of the charges faced by Muhammad Sanusi to be heard jointly and tried in front of Nor Rajiah.
Osman Affendi allowed the application by the prosecution after the defence did not object to it.
On July 18, Muhammad Sanusi had been charged with the alleged offences separately in two Sessions Courts.
