The Penang High Court today rejected an application by PAS deputy president Mohamad Sabu, popularly known as Mat Sabu, to strike out the case where he was charged with defaming Bukit Kepong policemen and their families during a ceramah in Tasek Gelugor in August.

NONE Mohamad’s lawyer, Hanipa Maidin ( left in photo, with Mohamad ), argued that the case was based on a historical perspective and the court was not a platform to discuss the matter.

Hanipa also argued that Mat Sabu’s case is not about victims of historical cases seeking compensation.

“The judge has missed out a point. This is about historical interpretation and the court is not a platform for this,” he added.

However, High Court Judge Mohd Amin Firdaus said such historical cases are allowed to be mentioned in the court.

He gave the example of Chin Peng’s suit against the Malaysian government to allow him to return to his homeland.

Meanwhile, Hanipa said Mat Sabu will try to apply for a stay of the mention of his case in the Sessions Court today.

Mat Sabu was alleged to have committed the offence in front of a kindergarten at the PAS education centre at Padang Menora in Tasek Gelugor last Aug 21.

He faces a jail sentence of up to two years and a fine or both upon conviction.

He was alternatively charged with defaming Constables Marin Abu Bakar Daud, Jaafar Hassan and Yusoff Rono and their families at the same time and place.

The charge followed a report by three family members of the constables, Jamilah Abu Bakar, Azlas Jaafar and Nazir Yusoff.