Mohammad Nizar pleads not guilty to defaming Najib

Former Perak menteri besar Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin was charged in the Sessions Court here today with defaming Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak two years ago.

Mohammad Nizar, 57, of Sungai Rokam here, however, pleaded not guilty and claimed trial to the charge.

He was charged with defaming the prime minister in a ceramah at Taman Desa Pakatan here between 9 pm and 12 am on April 23, 2012.

Mohammad Nizar, who is Changkat Jering Assemblyman, was alleged to have told the audience that he (Mohamad Nizar) was informed that Najib had called the army generals and told them to do something if Barisan Nasional lost in the general election.

The charge, under Section 500 of the Penal Code, carries a maximum imprisonment for two years or fine or both, if found guilty.

Deputy public prosecutor Masri Mohd Daud, who prosecuted, requested bail at RM5,000 in one surety.

However, Mohammad Nizar's lawyer, Asmuni Awi, said there was no need for bail as it was a summon case and his client, who is also the State opposition Leader, would cooperate with the prosecution.

Judge Madihah Harullah then set bail at RM4,000 with one surety and fixed Sept 26 for mention.

Mohammad Nizar was represented by a panel of 12 lawyers, comprising Hatim Musa, Asmuni, Aminuddin Zulkipli, Mohd Fitri Asmuni, M. Kulasegaran, Nga Hock Cheh, N. Selvam, A. Sivanesan, Mohammad Hanifa Maidin, Leong Cheok Keng, Mohammad Zamri Ibrahim and Chan Sook Ching .

The prosecution was represented by Masri and deputy public prosecutor Fadhli Ab Wahab.