Former political activist Kassim Ahmad charged with insulting Islam

Former political and social activist Dr Kassim Ahmad pleaded not guilty in the Syariah High Court here Thursday to insulting Islam and not complying with religious authorities.

Kassim, 81, was charged with committing the offences at a seminar in Putrajaya here on Feb 15 and 16.

On the first count, he was alleged to have tabled a script of his speech entitled 'Speech for the National Political Conference to Determine the Direction of Malaysia over the next 30 years', which insulted Islam by criticising Islamic practices.

On the second count, he was alleged to have tabled the same script which insulted or was not in compliance with religious authorities, defied the order issued by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong as the head of the Islamic religion as well as the 'fatwa' (edict) issued by the mufti.

Kassim was charged under Section 7 (b) and Section 9 of the Syariah Criminal Offences (Federal Territories) Act 1997.

He faces a fine of up to RM3,000 or a jail term of up to two years, or both, upon conviction.

Judge Ummamuddin Yunus allowed Kassim bail of RM3,000 in one surety on each count and set April 7 for mention. Kassim posted bail.

The prosecution was conducted by the Federal Territory syariah chief prosecutor, Ibrahim Deris, while Kassim was unrepresented.