Seputeh member of parliament (MP) Teresa Kok has been charged with sedition over her controversial ‘Onederful Malaysia CNY 2014’ satirical video.
The 50-year-old DAP vice chairman, dressed in bright red baju kurung, pleaded not guilty to the charge under Section 4(1) of the Sedition Act 1948 this morning.
Kok smiled when the charge was read out to her at the Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court.
According to the charge, Kok, had published a video clip which included seditious words on Youtube at about 9am on February 1, 2014 in an apartment located at Bangsar.
The court interpreter read out parts of a Bahasa Malaysia transcript of the video deemed seditious: including jokes on Malaysia being a dangerous country, the Lahad Datu intrusion, education.
If convicted of the charge, Kok can be jailed up to three years or fined up to RM5,000 or both.
Sessions Court judge Judge Norshahidah Awang fixed RM4,000 as bail, with one surety. She fixed June 9 as the mention date, and the trial proper will be heard Sept 2-5.
Deputy Public Prosecutor (DPP) Muhamad Iskandar lead the prosecution team while DPP P Viknesvaran assisted.
The prosecution said that it would be bringing 10 to 15 witnesses for their case.
Kok’s team of defence lawyers included Datuk Param Cumaraswamy, Sankara Nair, Datuk Yusof Zainal Abiden, Gobind Singh Deo and Aaron Lee.
Kok’s 11-minute satirical clip had caused a stir early this year when several right wing groups and Barisan Nasional (BN) leaders accused it of being offensive.
A group calling itself the “Council of Islamic NGOs” had slaughtered live chickens in protest against Kok’s video.
Claiming that she had insulted the Muslims and the nation’s leaders, the same NGO offered a RM1, 200 cash reward for those who would slap Kok.
In the video, Kok had played the role of a feng shui talk show host interviewing three panellists on their predictions for the lunar new year.
The ‘panelists’ had, among others, poked fun at the country’s education system, rising cost of lithe Sulu terrorist intrusion in Lahad Datu, Sabah last year.
In February, a dead chicken and red paint was found at Kok’s office in Jalan Kuchai Lama. A dead rat was also found in her office prior to that.
Kok had always insisted that her video was done in good humour, denying charges that she was being anti-Islam or anti-Malay.
Meanwhile, Kok, whose brother posted bail for her, said that the charge against her was "politically motivated"
"The charge against me shows that the government is stepping up its campaign to weaken and cripple Pakatan Rakyat via court prosecution," she told reporters outside the courtroom.
Kok highlighted that before her, other opposition leaders have been charged, including Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for sodomy and the late Karpal Singh for sedition.
She maintained that her video was mere political satire and asked those who felt he or she was ridiculed by the video to sue her.
"I will fight this heinous charge to the end. I have not committed any crime and I shall be proven innocent in court," said Kok.
Teoh El Sen
Tue May 06 2014
Seputeh MP Teresa Kok was charged with sedition over her controversial satirical video
Japanese manicurist takes on plastic pollution, one nail at a time
Before global leaders address plastic pollution, a Japanese manicurist highlights the issue by incorporating it into her nail designs.
What to watch for ahead of US presidential inauguration
Here's a timeline of events between now and inauguration day.
The battle to reduce road deaths
In Malaysia, over half a million road accidents have been recorded so far this year.
Pro-Palestinian NGOs seek court order to stop Dutch arms exports to Israel
The Dutch state, as a signatory to the 1948 Genocide Convention, has a duty to take all reasonable measures at its disposal to prevent genocide.
How quickly can Trump's Musk-led efficiency panel slash US regulations?
Moves by Trump and his appointees to eliminate existing rules will be met with legal challenges, as many progressive groups and Democratic officials have made clear.
2TM: Consultations on PTPTN loans, admission to IPTA at MOHE booth
Consultations on PTPTN loans and admission to IPTA are among services provided at the Higher Education Ministry booth.
Kampung Tanjung Kala residents affected by flooded bridge every time it rains heavily
Almost 200 residents from 60 homes in Kampung Tanjung Kala have ended up stuck when their 200-metre (m) long concrete bridge flooded.
COP29 climate summit draft proposes rich countries pay $250 billion per year
The draft finance deal criticised by both developed and developing nations.
Bomb squad sent to London's Gatwick Airport after terminal evacuation
This was following the discovery of a suspected prohibited item in luggage.
Kelantan urges caution amidst northeast monsoon rains
Kelantan has reminded the public in the state to refrain from outdoor activities with the arrival of the Northeast Monsoon season.
Former New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern receives UN leadership award
Former New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern was given a global leadership award by the United Nations Foundation.
ICC'S arrest warrants for Netanyahu, Gallant an apt decision - PM
The decision of the ICC to issue arrest warrants against Benjamin Netanyahu and Yoav Gallant is apt, said Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
KTMB provides two additional ETS trains for Christmas, school holidays
KTMB will provide two additional ETS trains for the KL Sentral-Padang Besar route and return trips in conjunction with the holidays.
BNM'S international reserves rise to USD118 bil as at Nov 15, 2024
Malaysia's international reserves rose to US$118.0 billion as at Nov 15, 2024, up from US$117.6 billion on Oct 30, 2024.
Findings by dark energy researchers back Einstein's conception of gravity
The findings announced are part of a years-long study of the history of the cosmos focusing upon dark energy.
NRES responds to Rimbawatch press release on COP29
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES) wishes to offer the following clarifications to the issues raised.
Online Safety Bill and Anti-Cyberbullying Laws must carefully balance rights and protections
The Online Safety Advocacy Group (OSAG) stands united with people in Malaysia in the fight against serious online harms.
Malaysia's inflation at 1.9 pct in Oct 2024 - DOSM
Malaysia's inflation rate for October 2024 has increased to 1.9 per cent, up from 1.8 per cent in September this year.
Saudi Arabia showcases Vision 2030 goals at Airshow China 2024
For the first time, Saudi Arabia is participating in the China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition held recently in Zhuhai.
King Charles' coronation cost GBP 71mil, govt accounts show
The coronation of Britain's King Charles cost taxpayers GBP72 million (US$90 million), official accounts have revealed.