Tian Chua jailed 3 months, fined RM1,800 for sedition

KUALA LUMPUR: Batu MP Tian Chua (pix) was sentenced to three months' jail and fined RM1,800, in default six months jail, by the Sessions Court today for making a seditious statement at a public forum.
This means that Tian Chua still remains as a Member of Parliament as his jail term and fine is below 12 months jail sentence and RM2,000 fine. A MP is only disqualified if the sentence is above 12 months jail and RM2,000 fine.
Sessions judge Zulqarnain Hassan imposed the sentence on Tian Chua, whose real name is Chua Tian Chang, 53, after finding him guilty of the charge.
Zulqarnain said he took into consideration public interest and at the same time, all the factors presented by the lawyer. He also allowed a stay of execution of the sentence after his lawyer, N. Surendran, made an application.
Tian Chua was charged on May 29, 2013, with making a seditious statement at a public forum to incite the people to change the government through unlawful means.
He committed the offence at the Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Assembly Hall at No. 1, Jalan Maharajalela, Dang Wangi here between 8.55pm and 11.15pm on May 13, 2013.
The charge, under Section 4(1)(b) of the Sedition Act 1948 (Act 15), is punishable with a maximum fine of RM5,000 or three years jail, or both, on conviction.
Surendran was assisted by lawyer Latheefa Koya while DPP Julia Ibrahim and Jasmee Hameeza Jaafar prosecuted the case.