Mat Sabu’s trial on Bukit Kepong remarks on Dec 19

(Bernama) – BUTTERWORTH: The Sessions Court here set Dec 19-23 to hear the case against PAS deputy president Mohamad Sabu who was charged with defaming Bukit Kepong policemen and their families during a ceramah in Tasek Gelugor here in August.

Judge Ikmal Hishan Mohd Tajuddin set the date after an application by Deputy Public Prosecutor Lailawati Ali for the court to fix other trial dates because

the prosecution had to attend a conference during the Dec 5-9 trial dates set by the court earlier.

On Sept 21, Mohamad, 57, also known as Mat Sabu, pleaded not guilty to a charge under Section 500 of the Penal Code for criminal defamation against the policemen and their families who had been attacked by communists in the Bukit Kepong tragedy in Johor in 1950.

He was alleged to have committed the offence in front of a kindergarten at the PAS education centre at Padang Menora in Tasek Gelugor last Aug 21.
Mat Sabu faces a jail sentence of up to two years and a fine or both upon conviction.

Mat Sabu was alternatively charged with defaming Constables Marin Abu Bakar Daud, Jaafar Hassan and Yusoff Rono and their families at the same time and place.

The charge followed a report by three family members of the constables, Jamilah Abu Bakar, Azlas Jaafar and Nazir Yusoff.