Batu MP Tian Chua today claimed trial at the Petaling Jaya Sessions Court to a charge of insulting the modesty of police officers last April.

Tian, or his real name Chua Tian Chang, is charged under Section 509 of the Penal Code with uttering swear words at police personnel led by DSP Glenn A Sinappah, who seized his handphone outside the Armada Hotel in Petaling Jaya about 7.45pm on April 14.

The 50-year-old politician is also facing two outstanding sedition charges in the High Court in Kuala Lumpur.

DPP Zhafran Rahim Hamzah sought bail at RM20,000 with one surety.

However, Tian's lawyer Michelle Yesudas said RM20,000 was excessive to secure attendance.

“Tian is facing two sedition charges at the Jalan Duta court, and he continues to attend proceedings without fail. He is a Member of Parliament and a PKR vice-president,” Michelle said, adding that a bail of RM500 would be sufficient.

Bali fixed at RM5,000

Sessions judge Abu Bakar Manat said RM500 was too low for Tian's stature and fixed bail at RM5,000 with one surety and fixed Sept 11 for mention.

Tian Chua, who is PKR vice-president, told Malaysiakini that the police did not introduce themselves when they took his handphone.

"When I came out from a function at the hotel, the police officers did not introduce themselves and they seized my handphone. I tried to stop them and alerted hotel security. They (policeman) who seized the handphone then asked me to go to the police station," he said.

He had subsequently tried to stop the police car from leaving the hotel in the bid to get his phone back.

Tian deemed the charge against him to be political persecution, saying attorney-general had agreed not to charge him with sedition.

"I was investigated for an alleged seditious tweet . They did not charge me for that but levelled this charge against me instead."

Besides the two sedition charges, Tian was acquitted on acharge of being involved in an illegal demonstration and also being in a prohibited area at the Kepong police station during the Bersih rally.

However, the prosecution is appealing both these acquittals.