The High Court has set July 4 to hear an application by PKR vice-president Tian Chua to strike out the sedition charge against him in relation to statements on the Lahad Datu intrusion in February.

Chua, whose real name is Chua Tian Chang, 50, had filed the application last April 12.

Deputy public prosecutor (DPP) Mohd Farizul Hassan Bakri informed the court on the date when the case came up for mention before Sessions Court judge Norsharidah Awang.

Norsharidah set July 19 for mention of the case.

On March 14 this year, Chua pleaded not guilty to making statements which claimed that the shootings in Lahad Datu was a planned conspiracy by Umno to divert attention and frighten the people.

Chua - who is Batu MP - is charged with committing the offence at No 62-2-A Fraser Business Park, Jalan Metro Pudu off Jalan Yew, Kuala Lumpur at 11am on March 1.

    

The charge, under Section 4(1)(b) of the Sedition Act 1948 (Act 15) and punishable under Section 4(1) of the same act, carries a fine of RM5,000 or three years' jail or both for first offenders, and five years' imprisonment for the subsequent offence.

    

Tian Chua is represented by lawyer Michelle Yesudas.

- Bernama