An opposition lawmaker today urged attorney-general Mohamed Apandi Ali to act on humanitarian grounds and allow jailed activist Khalid Mohd Ismath bail.

Khalid has been slapped with 14 charges over his social media postings on the Johor royalty.

"I really hope and plead to the AG, please don't object to the application. Be humane for his wife and family's sake," said Mohamed Hanipa Maidin (Amanah-Sepang).

"The Sessions Court had refused to grant bail to Khalid upon the objection of the AG," he said.

He was referring to Khalid's application to the Johor Baru High Court to revise the Sessions Court's no-bail ruling on Oct 13.

The High Court has fixed Thursday to hear the application.

"Despite the 14 charges framed against him, he is still presumed innocent until proven guilty [...] this is a bailable offence," said Hanipa (photo) , who is also the Amanah whip.

Khalid's family has said that he was denied bail as the prosecutor was concerned that he might flee the country.

Placed in solitary confinement

"But it is not right for the AG to speculate," said Hanipa, adding that the attorney-general could have urged the court to allow bail with conditions.

Hanipa said the activist had suffered mental pressure after being placed in solitary confinement.

Khalid's father Ismath Habib and his wife Nadzirah Yaakop were also present at Parliament.