Judge orders Bersatu rep to enter defence over seditious speech

The Sessions Court in Kuala Lumpur has ordered Kijal assemblyperson Razali Idris to enter his defence on a charge of making a seditious speech, alleging government influence over the judiciary two years ago.

Judge Norma Ismail made the order today after finding that the prosecution had succeeded in establishing a prima facie case against the former Bersatu information chief, at the end of the prosecution's case.

"After examining the evidence and submissions of both parties, the court found that the prosecution had succeeded in establishing a prima facie case.

"Therefore, the accused is called to defend himself on this charge," said the judge, who then set the trial date for four days on Sept 26 and 30 and Oct 2 and 3.

The proceedings were attended by deputy public prosecutors Badiuszaman Ahmad and Amir Hannif Ahijman, and lawyer Awang Armadajaya Awang Mahmud, representing Razali, who is also the Terengganu Tourism, Culture, Environment and Climate Change Committee chairperson.

On Nov 24, 2023, Razali, 58, pleaded not guilty to making a seditious speech between 9.30pm and 11.30pm on Nov 10 of the same year at the launch of the Kemaman by-election machinery at Padang Astaka Chukai, Kemaman in Terengganu.

He was charged under Section 4 (1) (b) of the Sedition Act 1948, which provides a fine of up to RM5,000 or imprisonment of up to three years or both.

- Bernama

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