Former Bukit Gelugor candidate claims trial to insulting reporter

GEORGE TOWN: Former Bukit Gelugor by-election candidate Abu Backer Sidek Mohd Zan claimed trial at the sessions court today to allegedly uttering insulting and provocative words to a Tamil newspaper reporter on May 12.
The 46-year-old was charged with uttering the words to one D. Alappah, 55, at the Dewan Sri Pinang foyer at about 10.20am that day, which was nomination day for the by-election.
The offence, under Section 504 of the Penal Code, is for intentional insult with intent to provoke a breach of the peace and it carries a maximum two years jail or fine or both on conviction.
Abu Backer, who arrived in crutches at the court, appeared calm when the charge was read to him.
DPP Datuk Razali Che Ani asked for bail to be set at RM5,000 but defence counsel Rosli Ismail countered with RM2,000.
"His attendance here shows his intent to be present," Rosli told the court, adding his client had returned from Singapore to be present for the proceedings.
Sessions Court Judge Zulhazmi Hassan set bail at RM2,000 with one surety and fixed Oct 16 for mention.
Abu Backer lost his deposit in the four-cornered fight after getting only 225 votes compared to the winner, Ramkarpal Singh, who polled 41,242 votes.