Hishamuddin spared jail, fined RM5,000 for sedition
V. Anbalagan, The Malaysian Insider
Social activist Hishamuddin Rais was spared a jail sentence when the Sessions Court fined him RM5,000 in default six months’ jail after finding him guilty of sedition.
Sessions judge Azman Mustapha said he agreed with counsel Syahredzan Johan that public interest would not be served by sending the accused to prison.
“His action did not influence his audience to demonstrate in the streets.
“There was also no act of violence as a result of his utterances,” Azman added.
Earlier, Azman said the prosecution had proved its case against Hishamuddin beyond reasonable doubt.
“He should not have instigated those present to go to the streets because he was unhappy with the outcome of the general election,” the judge said.
Syahredzan then mitigated for a lighter sentence and after hearing submissions from DPP Kee Way Loon as well, the judge ordered a break before delivering sentence.
Hishamuddin, 64, uttered the words at the Kuala Lumpur Chinese Assembly Hall in Jalan Maharajalela in the capital city on May 13, 2013.
He and five others had spoken at the gathering, which was held after the May 5, 2013 general election.
