KUALA LUMPUR: Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) information chief Datuk Razali Idris was charged at the Sessions Court today under the Sedition Act for allegedly making remarks against the judiciary institution's court decisions and that it was "under the control" of the government.
Razali, 57, who is also Terengganu's Kijal state assemblyman, pleaded not guilty after the charge under Section 4(1)(b) of the Act was read before Sessions Court Judge N.Priscilla Hemamalini.
The Dewan Negara Senator was accused of making the remarks during a by-election machinery launch on Nov 10 this year between 9.30pm and 11.30pm at Padang Astaka Chukai in Kemaman, Terengganu.
The charge sheet stated that Razali had, before an audience, spoken on the court decisions of Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman and another politician who was granted a discharge not amounting to acquittal.
He said the government machinery, Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) and judges were under the control of the PMX government of the day.
The offence carries a maximum fine of RM5,000 or jail less than three years or both.
Razali said he understood the charge.
"I plead not guilty and I am ready to go on trial," he said.
State prosecution director Datin Kalmizah Salleh offered RM10,000 bail with one surety.
As an additional condition, she urged the court to impose a gag order against the accused from uploading any post or making comments on the case until it was concluded.
In mitigation, defence counsel Hasshahari Johari Mawi said the bail sum should not be excessive and RM1,000 would be appropriate as it was to ensure his client's attendance in court.
He did not object to the additional condition but asked that the gag order be extended to the public from discussing the case.
"My client has multiple responsibilities with the Terengganu state as well as federal governments and therefore was not one who would potentially abscond or harass the MACC, the complainant of the case.
"He has given his cooperation during the investigation to the authorities and came to the court today to face this charge, without being forced," he added.
Judge Priscilla set RM6,000 bail with one surety and allowed the gag order against Razali for uploading any posts or comments until the case concluded.
She set Dec 8 for mention.
On Nov 21, Bernama reported that police summoned Razali to assist in investigations regarding his statements considered insulting to the administration of the judicial system.
Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department director Datuk Seri Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain said Razali allegedly made insulting remarks by stating decisions of the judiciary were being controlled by the government.
Razali was believed to have made the statement during the launch of the Kemaman by-election machinery in Kemaman, Terengganu on Nov 10.
His alleged statement at the Nov 10 event had been shared by TikTok account holder "@WANCIN11" four days later.
MACC subsequently made a police report regarding an inaccurate TikTok application post that could affect public confidence in the country's law enforcement and legal system.