Bersatu leader acquitted of charge linked to warning about govt's downfall

Bersatu Youth chief Hilman Idham has been acquitted of a charge of making a statement with intent to cause fear or alarm to the public.

The Kuala Lumpur Magistrate's Court held that the prosecution had failed to prove a prima facie case against the Gombak Setia assemblyperson.

Magistrate Nurul Izzah Hasan Basri thus discharged and acquitted Hilman (above) without ordering him to enter his defence.

Free Malaysia Today reported that the judge also ordered Hilman's RM4,000 bail to be refunded.

Last year, Hilman was charged under Section 505(b) of the Penal Code over an alleged warning to the home minister that detaining opposition leaders would bring down the government.

The remarks were over the arrest of Bersatu members after the “Turun Anwar” rally in July last year.

In a statement after Hilman's acquittal, Bersatu Youth said the failure to prove a prima facie case showed his actions were lawful and that he was charged for political reasons aimed at silencing dissenting youth voices.

SNAPSHOT | MB's aide: S'gor open to work with any party; Harapan, BN to decide on ties for Malacca before Sept 16

After Pahang duo, Hilman says 'not impossible' for S'gor Bersatu reps to support MB

Hilman urges govt to release supporting documents for Tabung Haji RCI