KUALA LUMPUR: The sedition trial of Kedah Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor will take place for 12 days starting in January next year.
The Selayang Sessions Court here fixed the dates yesterday to hear the two sedition charges against Muhammad Sanusi.
He is charged with uttering seditious words regarding the appointment of the Selangor Mentri Besar and the establishment of the unity government, both during a political talk in July.
Judge Nor Rajiah Mat Zin set the trial dates for Jan 18 and 19, as well as Feb 5, 8, 9, 12, 13, 15, 16, 19, 22 and 23 after deputy public prosecutor Datuk Masri Mohd Daud noted that the case was of public interest.
“I request that this case be heard in December this year and about 10 prosecution witnesses will be called to testify,” Masri said.Lawyer Awang Armadajaya Awang Mahmud, representing Muhammad Sanusi, agreed that his client’s case was a high-profile one but requested that the trial begin in January.
Earlier, Masri informed the court that there were amendments to the two charges against Muhammad Sanusi and requested that the charges be read out and tried together since they involved the same incident and witnesses.
The amendments involved a change in the section of the charges, as Muhammad Sanusi was previously charged under Section 4(1)(a) of the Sedition Act 1948 but was amended to Section 4(1)(b) of the same Act.
Date in court: Muhammad Sanusi waving to his supporters outside the Selayang Sessions Court yesterday. — Bernama
When the amended charges were read out by the court interpreter, Muhammad Sanusi, clad in a blue suit, said, “I understand the charges, Your Honour, and plead not guilty.”
According to the two amended charges, the Jeneri assemblyman was accused of committing both offences at Simpang 4, Taman Selayang Mutiara, Kampung Bendahara, Gombak, near here, at 11pm on July 11.
Both charges were framed under Section 4(1)(a) of the Sedition Act 1948 and punishable under Section 4(1) of the same law, which provides a maximum fine of RM5,000 or imprisonment up to three years or both, if convicted.
Earlier, during the mention of the case, Sessions Court judge Osman Affendi Mohd Salleh allowed the prosecution’s request to refer the case to Nor Rajiah’s court for a joint trial. Masri said the prosecution had submitted documents, including transcripts of voice recordings, to the defence yesterday.
Awang Armadajaya said they had no objection to the application to transfer the case. — Bernama
