The Shah Alam High Court today postponed the appeal of Keadilan Youth chief Mohd Ezam Mohd Nor against his conviction and two-year jail sentence under Official Secrets Act (OSA).

Ezam's lawyers Raja Aziz Addruse and Zainur Zakaria said Justine K N Segara had deferred the hearing to Feb 3-6 after being told that the politician was on medical leave.

"The other reason was because the court had to dispose of another urgent case. So, all parties agreed that the matter be postponed to February," Zainur said outside the court this morning.

The court also extended Ezam's RM20,000 bail and stay of execution pending disposal of the appeal.

Supporters alarmed

News of his illness alarmed some of his supporters who had gathered the court building. They were heard asking directions to Ezam's house in Shah Alam, in order to visit him.

Ezam told malaysiakini that he has been advised to get "proper rest" after being put through a stress test at the National Heart Institute (IJN) yesterday.

"I had chest pains and was told that it could be related to heart illness, so I sought treatment at IJN," he said when contacted.

"I was told that the pain was related to stress and over-exertion. It was not advisable for me to attend today's hearing."

He hoped that his supporters would not be too anxious, saying that his condition is "not serious".

In August 2000, Ezam was found guilty of breaching Section 8(1) of the OSA for revealing secret documents on alleged abuse of power and corruption by International Trade and Industry Minister Rafidah Aziz and former Malacca Chief Minister Rahim Thamby Chik.

He was alleged to have leaked Anti-Corruption Agency (ACA) investigation papers involving the two politicians, during a press conference held at Keadilan headquarters in Menara Phileo Damansara three years ago.

The documents stated that the ACA had found evidence of graft and recommended action to be taken against the two. To date, no charges have been filed against Rafidah and Rahim.

Sessions judge Wan Afrah Wan Ismail, now a judicial commissioner, was satisfied that the prosecution had proved its case and sentenced him to two years' imprisonment.

Ezam, who was then being detained under the Internal Security Act (ISA), was immediately sent to the Kajang prison to start serving his sentence.

He was released in June after being allowed stay of execution - an application he made upon the expiry of his two-year ISA detention the same month.