Bersatu’s Razali Idris charged with sedition

Bersatu information chief Razali Idris claimed trial in the sessions court here today to a charge of making a seditious statement about the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).

(FMT) – The Terengganu executive councillor and Kijal assemblyman is alleged to have committed the offence between 9.30pm and 11.30pm on Nov 10 at Padang Astaka in Chukai, Terengganu, during the launch of Perikatan Nasional’s election machinery for the Dec 2 Kemaman by-election.

Razali, 57, is alleged to have said the government controlled MACC and the judges.

He is alleged to have questioned the difference in treatment received by an unnamed person facing 47 charges who received a conditional discharge – an apparent reference to deputy prime minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi – and former Muda president Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman, who was convicted of seven offences recently.

An excerpt of the speech given by Razali was shared on TikTok by @wancin11.

The charge is framed under Section 4(1)(b) of the Sedition Act 1948, which provides for a fine of up to RM5,000 or imprisonment for up to three years, or both, upon conviction.

Judge N Priscilla Hemamalini allowed Razali, who is also a senator, bail of RM6,000 in one surety.

She also ordered the accused to refrain from making public comments or postings on social media about the case pending the outcome of his trial.

The case will be mentioned on Dec 8 for the prosecution to hand in documents that will be used in the trial.

Deputy public prosecutor Kalmizah Salleh appeared for the prosecution, while lawyers Hasshahari Johari Mawi, Shahril Nizam Amin and Radzlan Jalaludin appeared for Razali.

Razali is the second Perikatan Nasional leader to be charged with sedition after Kedah menteri besar Sanusi Nor pleaded not guilty in July to two charges of making seditious statements against royalty.