Kassim Ahmad's trial set for May 6, 7

The Syariah High Court here today set May 6 and 7 for the trial of former politician and social activist Dr Kassim Ahmad who was charged with insulting Islam and defying religious authorities.

Kassim, 81, who pleaded not guilty on March 27 to committing the offences at a seminar in February, maintained not guilty plea when the charges were read again before syarie judge Azzeman Omar.

He was alleged to have committed both offences in excerpts from his working paper at a Seminar on the 'Thoughts of Kassim Ahmad: An Analysis on the Direction of Malaysia Over the Next 30 Years' at the Perdana Leadership Foundation, Presint 8 here on Feb 15 and 16.

He was also accused of insulting Islam or causing Islam to be ridiculed, apart from mocking religious authorities, and defying 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 which carries a fine of up to RM3,000 or a jail term of up to two years, or both, upon conviction.

Azzeeman allowed Federal Territories syarie chief prosecutor Ibrahim Deris' application for bail to be maintained at RM6,000 with two sureties until the date of trial.

Speaking to reporters, Ibrahim said the prosecution would call more than 10 witnesses, including participants of the seminar.

Asked whether the prosecution will also call Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, who officiated the event as a witness, Ibrahim said the prosecution had yet to decide on it and had yet to record a statement from the former prime minister.