Mat Sabu’s trial postponed

(New Straits Times) – The Sessions Court yesterday postponed to Jan 30 the trial of Pas deputy president Mohamad Sabu charged with criminal defamation against policemen and their families who were attacked by communists in Bukit Kepong more than 60 years ago.

Judge Ikmal Hisnan granted the postponement pending a defence application at the Penang High Court to strike out the charge.

The application is scheduled to be heard at the High Court on Jan 30.

Deputy public prosecutor Yusaini Amer, who represented the prosecution,   did not object to the application.

Lawyer Amirul Fairuzzeen Jamaluddin, who represented Mohamad,   popularly known as Mat Sabu, 57, said  outside the court that the case should not proceed as it involved the deceased — namely policemen and their family members.

“The trial will create adverse implications on the interpretation of history, resulting in a long-term polemic,”   said Amirul.

Mat Sabu   arrived at the court complex about 9am  accompanied by his lawyers.

He is charged with criminal defamation against 25 policemen and their families who were attacked by communists in Bukit Kepong.

In the massacre at the Bukit Kepong police station, communists killed 13 policemen, six Home Guards, three women and a child.

Mat Sabu  is alleged to have committed the offence during a rally in front of a kindergarten at the Pas education centre at Padang Menora in Tasek Gelugor, Penang, on Aug 21.