THE Selayang Sessions Court has fixed 12 days, starting in January, to hear a case involving Kedah Menteri Besar Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor, who faced two sedition charges.

He was charged with uttering seditious words regarding the appointment of the Selangor menteri besar and the establishment of the unity government during a political speech in July.

Judge Nor Rajiah Mat Zin set the trial dates for January 18 and 19 and February 5, 8, 9, 12, 13, 15, 16, 19, 22 and 23 after deputy public prosecutor Masri Mohd Daud indicated the case was of public interest.

“I request this case be heard in December this year, and about 10 prosecution witnesses will be called to testify,” Masri said.

Lawyer Awang Armadajaya Awang Mahmud, representing Sanusi, agreed his client’s case was a high-profile one but requested the trial begin in January.

Earlier, Masri informed the court there were amendments to the two charges against Sanusi and requested the charges be read and tried together since they involved the same incident and witnesses.

The amendments included a change in the section of the charges, as Sanusi was previously charged under section 4(1)(a) of the Sedition Act 1948. It was amended to section 4(1)(b) of the same act.

When the amended charges were read out by the court interpreter, Sanusi, clad in a blue suit, said: “I understand the charge, Your Honour, and plead not guilty.”

In the two amended charges, the Jeneri assemblyman was accused of committing both offences at Simpang 4, Taman Selayang Mutiara, Kampung Bendahara, Gombak, at 11pm on July 11.

Both charges were framed under section 4(1)(a) of the Sedition Act 1948 and are punishable under section 4(1) of the same law, which provides a fine of up to RM5,000, imprisonment for up to three years, or both, if convicted.

Earlier, during mention of the case, judge Osman Affendi Mohd Salleh allowed the prosecution’s request to refer the case to justice Nor Rajiah’s court for a joint trial.

Masri said the prosecution had submitted documents, including transcripts of voice recordings, to the defence today.

Awang Armadajaya said his team had no objection to the application to transfer the case. – Bernama, October 4, 2023.