Seri Delima assemblyman R.S.N Rayer today pleaded not guilty in the Sessions Court to two charges of making seditious statements at the Penang state assembly sitting and ceramah (public talk) in Jalan Delima, Island Glades, Jelutong, here, in May this year.
In Sessions Court 2, Rayer, 43, a lawyer, also pleaded not guilty to an alternative charge of humiliating and arousing anger among Umno members by uttering seditious words at the ceramah.
On the first count, he is alleged to have uttered seditious words, 'Celaka celaka ini, celaka celaka Umno ini kurang ajar, biadap', in damning the party, during a debate session at the state assembly sitting at 9.30am on May 20, this year.
The assemblyman faces the charge under Section 4(1)(b) of the Sedition Act 1948 (Act 15) and which is punishable with a fine of up to RM5,000 or a jail term not exceeding three years, or both, under Section 4(1) of the same Act.
Earlier, DPP Datuk Razali Che Ani applied for a bail of RM20,000, saying it was a high-profile case and the incident happened at the state assembly.
Rayer who was represented by three lawyers led by Gobind Singh Deo, asked the court to reduce the bail to RM2,000, as he had given his full cooperation in the police investigation.
"He is a lawyer, married with a house in Penang and is an elected representative for the Seri Delima constituency. It's impossible for him to run away," said Gobind.
Judge Zulhazmi Abdullah then allowed Rayer bail of RM3,000 in one surety.
In Sessions Court 1, Rayer was charged with uttering the seditious words, "...tapi Umno ini celaka...," at a ceramah held at the children's playground in Jalan Delima, Island Glades, Jelutong at 10pm on May 22.
The charge is under Section 4(1)(b) of the Sedition Act 1948 and punishable under Section 4(1) of the same Act.
Rayer also faces an alternative charge of humiliating and arousing anger among Umno members by uttering seditious words which could disrupt public peace.
The offence was committed at the same place, time and on the same date.
The charge is under Section 504 of the Penal Code and the offence carries a fine or a jail sentence of up to two years, or both.
Judge Zaharah Hussain allowed Rayer bail of RM3,000 in one surety. Razali also appeared for the prosecution.
Both courts fixed October 17 for re-mention of the cases.
Rayer, from DAP, had angered Umno members and several Malay non-governmental organisations after damning Umno with offensive words at the state assembly sitting on May 20.
Rayer not only refused to apologise and withdraw the alleged seditious words but also repeated those words at an open DAP ceramah during the Bukit Gelugor parliamentary seat by-election campaign.
Bernama
Wed Aug 27 2014
Rayer faces the charge under Section 4(1)(b) of the Sedition Act 1948 (Act 15) and which is punishable with a fine of up to RM5,000 or a jail term not exceeding three years, or both.
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.