The Kuala Lumpur High Court has upheld one of PKR vice-president Rafizi Ramli's convictions under the Official Secrets Act (OSA) and his 18-month prison sentence.

However, Justice Azman Abdullah acquitted the Pandan lawmaker on another OSA conviction.

The judge also allowed a stay of sentence, pending the filing of a notice of appeal by Rafizi against the decision to uphold the conviction.

Justice Azman did not provide the grounds for his decision this morning but said he would write the full grounds if there is an appeal.

“The court allows the appeal on the first charge but upholds the accused's conviction on the second charge,” he said.

Previously, the Sessions Court had convicted Rafizi on two OSA charges and sentenced him to 18 months in prison, with the sentences ordered to run concurrently.

The PKR leader was found guilty of disseminating the auditor-general's Report on 1MDB, but was acquitted of possessing the document, which was classified as OSA.

He was found guilty of disseminating the report during a press conference at the Parliament lobby at about 3.00pm on March 28 last year which is an offence under Section 8 (1) (c) (iv) of the OSA.

Under the OSA, a person can be sentenced to a minimum 12 months or up to seven years in prison.

In sentencing Rafizi, Justice Azman said Sessions judge Zulqarnain Hassan adopted the right principle in meting out the 18-month sentence.

Rafizi was represented by a team of lawyers, led by Puchong MP Gobind Singh Deo.

Speaking to reporters later, Gobind said he would file the notice of appeal with the Court of Appeal later today.

“We will seek an early date for the appeal to be heard as we are confident our client should not be found guilty,” he added.

Meanwhile, Rafizi said he was aware of the consequences of his action, but was prepared to face them as he was acting in the interest of the public.

The PKR leader said he would not be able to defend his Pandan seat if the appeal is not heard before the next general election.