KUALA LUMPUR: Batu MP and PKR vice-president Tian Chua was today sentenced to three months jail and fined RM1,800 in default of six months jail by the Sessions Court for uttering seditious words at a forum, three years ago.
Judge Zulqarnain Hassan ruled that the prosecution had proven a prima facie case against Tian Chua.
"His speech at the forum had the tendency to incite people against the elected government of the 13th General Election as it contained seditious elements. I also have to take public interest into consideration along with the submissions of both the prosecution and defence.
"The defence had failed to raise a reasonable doubt."
Tian Chua was charged on May 29, 2013 with uttering the seditious words in parts of a speech delivered by him during a public forum at the Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall, after the 13th General Election.
He was accused of committing the offence on May 13, 2013 and was charged under Section 4 (1)(b) of the Sedition Act that provides a maximum fine of RM5,000 or three years jail, or both upon conviction.
Tian Chua could be disqualified as an elected representative if he is convicted and the court imposes a fine of RM2,000 or one year jail or both.
Immediately after sentencing, counsel N. Surendran applied for a stay on execution on the jail sentence, pending appeal which Zulqarnain allowed.
Deputy public prosecutor Julia Ibrahim, prosecuted.