Johor PKR chairman claims trial under Sedition Act

JOHOR BARU: Johor PKR chairman Hassan Karim claimed trial to a charge under the Sedition Act in the Sessions Court today.
He was charge under section 4 (1) (b) of the Act over remarks made at a rally at Jalan Betik 1, Masai, at 9pm on Feb 13, this year.
The offence carries a RM5,000 fine or maximum three years jail on conviction for a first offender.
Judge Mohamad Haldar Abdul Aziz set bail at RM5,000 in one surety and fixed Dec 2 for re-mention.
Later outside the court, Freedom Fund Malaysia chairman Thomas Fann said they will pay the bail for Hassan.
Hassan's lawyer, Jimmy Phuah Wee Tse, who was also present, said his client was investigated under section 499 ofz the Penal Code for defamation but was now charged under the Sedition Act.
He added he will submit a letter to the Attorney-General's chamber asking for an amendment.
He also said the bail was too high as Hassan had also faced three other sedition charges at Sham Alam Sessions Court on Monday and the bail was set as RM10,000.
Johor DPP chief Saiful Edris appeared for the prosecution.