Defence applies for transfer of Muhyiddin's case to Kota Baru High Court


GUA MUSANG: The defence team of former Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, who is facing a charge of making seditious remarks during the campaign for the Nenggiri state by-election recently, has filed an application to transfer the case from the Sessions Court here to the Kota Baru High Court.

Lawyer Amer Hamzah Arshad said that the defence had filed the application on Nov 1.

"One of the reasons for our application to transfer this case to the High Court is the presence of several issues, including whether Sections 3 and 4 of the Sedition Act contradict Article 10 of the Federal Constitution, as these sections may restrict and deny freedom of speech and the rights of Malaysians to share personal stories, state facts, and express opinions.

"This case will also involve the role of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong under the Federal Constitution and the process by which the Prime Minister is appointed.

"The application has been filed, and we have received a copy of it, and we expect the hearing to be scheduled for sometime in November or early December," he told reporters after mention of the case in the Sessions Court here on Monday (Nov 4).

During the proceedings, which lasted about 15 minutes, Judge Nik Mohd Tarmizie Nik Mohd Shukri set Jan 15, 2025, for the next mention of the case.

In the same proceedings, Nik Mohd Tarmizie also granted Muhyiddin an exemption from attending the next mention hearing due to logistical reasons.

The prosecution was conducted by five deputy public prosecutors led by Azlina Rasdi, while Muhyiddin was represented by a team of six lawyers led by Amer Hamzah.

On Aug 27, Muhyiddin pleaded not guilty to uttering the seditious remarks in an open area near Dewan Semai Bakti Felda Perasu here between 10.30 pm and 11.50 pm last Aug 14.

The alleged seditious remark was over his claim of not being invited by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong to take the oath as Prime Minister after the 15th General Election despite getting the support of 115 out of 222 Members of Parliament then.

The charge was framed under Section 4(1)(b) of the Sedition Act 1948 which provides a fine not exceeding RM5,000 or imprisonment for up to three years, or both if found guilty. - Bernama

   

Next In Nation

Local Govt Ministry amending guidelines for non-Muslim houses of worship, Dewan Rakyat told
More needs to be done to stop plastic pollutin in Sabah, says Deputy CM
Pahang Sultan, Tengku Ampuan extend condolences over Ahmad Nawab's death
Nine of 21 Penang LRT stations to have 'Park and Ride' facilities, Penang assembly hears
Malaysia chosen as chairman for Asian and International audit institutions
Communications and Multimedia Act amendments to tackle cyber threats to be tabled next month
Govt mulls offering psychosocial counselling on social media
RM50,000 fund launched to empower youths, drive sustainable development in Kiulu
Home Ministry respects court's decision to return 172 'Pride Collection' watches
13 highway concessionaires yet to agree to MLFF implementation, Dewan Rakyat told

Others Also Read