KUALA LUMPUR: The Sessions Court has acquitted Shah Alam member of parliament Khalid Abdul Samad of a charge of sedition against the Selangor Islamic Religious Council (Mais) four years ago.
Judge Rohatul Akmar Abdullah ruled that the prosecution had failed to prove a prima facie case against the 61-year-old.
“After weighing everything that the defendant had said as a whole, the court finds that (what he said) was meant as a suggestion and did not amount to sedition. It was meant as a suggestion that the role of Mais be reviewed so that it did not affect the Sultan or Islam itself.
“It was something meant to improve Mais. Therefore, Khalid is released without having to have his defence called,” she said.
Khalid had been accused of committing the alleged offence at the lobby of Parliament at 11.30am on June 17, 2014.
The charge was under Section 4(1)(b) of the Sedition Act 1948, which carries a maximum jail term of three years, or fine of up to RM5,000 upon conviction.
The prosecution was led by deputy public prosecutor Othman Abdullah while Khalid was represented by Hanipa Maidin.
Khalid, when met after proceedings, told reporters that he felt relieved and happy.
“I did not mean to make any seditious statement. I merely meant to protect the image of the Sultan of Selangor and ensure that the institution of constitutional monarchy is respected,” he said.