BERSATU information chief Razali Idris was charged under the Sedition Act for allegedly insulting the judiciary and defaming the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).

The 57-year-old Terengganu executive councillor claimed trial after the charges were read out.

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 the royalty.

The Kijal assemblyman had allegedly committed the offence on November 10 during the launch of Perikatan Nasional’s election machinery for the December 2 Kemaman by-election.

Razali, allegedly said the government controlled MACC and the judges.

He has also allegedly questioned the High Court’s decision regarding the case of Muda president Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman.

An excerpt of Razali’s speech 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 to be released on RM6,000 bail with one surety.

She also ordered the accused not to make any online posts or public comment on the matter until disposal of the case.

She set December 8 for mention. – November 24, 2023.