Former PSM sec-gen charged with sedition over Anwar verdict criticism

KUALA LUMPUR: Former Socialist Party of Malaysia (PSM) secretary-general S. Arutchelvan was charged in the Sessions Court today with making seditious remarks over Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's second sodomy case.
Arutchelvan, 48, who is now PSM central committee member, pleaded not guilty to the charge of making a seditious posting on his Facebook regarding his press statement on the Federal Court's decision in Anwar's sodomy case.
The offence was allegedly committed at D5 Legal Investigation Division office of the Kuala Lumpur police headquarters at noon on Feb 12 this year.
The charge under Section 4(1)(c)of the Sedition Act 1948, carries a maximum fine of RM5,000 or imprisonment for up to three years, or both, if found guilty.
Arutchelvan also pleaded not guilty to an alternative charge of using the Internet application to make offensive remarks on Facebook with intention to hurt the feelings of others.
He was charged with committing the offence at the same place, time and date under Section 233(1)(a) of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, which provides a fine of up to RM50,000, or imprisonment for up to a year, or both, if found guilty
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Judge Amernudin Ahmad allowed Arutchelvan bail of RM5,000 in one surety and set Dec 22 for mention.
DPP Suhaimi Ibrahim prosecuted while lawyer New Sin Yew, represented Arutchelvan. — Bernama