The Sessions Court in Kajang today found Ikatan Muslimin Malaysia (Isma) president Abdullah Zaik Abd Rahman guilty of sedition, over an article published on the NGO's website two years ago.

Judge Noridah Adam delivered the decision today, after finding that the prosecutor had succeeded in proving a prima facie case against Abdullah Zaik.

“The defence failed to raise reasonable doubt and the accused is found guilty and charged under Section 4(1)(c) of the Sedition Act,” said Noridah.

The court ordered Abdullah Zaik to pay a RM2,000 fine, or serve two years in prison if he failed to do so.

On May 16, the Sessions Court acquitted Abdullah Zaik of his main charge under Section 4(1)(b) of the Sedition Act, for uttering seditious words with regard to the arrival of the Chinese and the British to Malaya.

His guilty conviction today is for an alternative charge, over the publication of the alleged seditious statement.

The statement in question is an article titled 'Kedatangan pendatang Cina bersama penjajah British satu bentuk pencerobohan' (The arrival of the Chinese with the British colonialists a form of intrusion) which was published on the website www.ismaweb.net.

Public prosecutor Izwan Ariff Ibrahim today said Abdullah Zaik should face punishment to prevent such a case repeating in the future.

Meanwhile, the Isma chief did not protest the court's decision when met by reporters later.

“Alhamdulillah, we accept the decision," he said.

However, when pressed for more comment, Abdullah Zaik said further announcements would only be made after he discussed with his lawyers.