Lawyer P. Uthayakumar was sentenced to two years and six months' imprisonment by the Sessions Court here today after being found guilty of writing a letter of a seditious nature against the government to
former British prime minister Gordon Brown six years ago.

Judge Ahmad Zamzani Mohd Zain said the defence had failed to dent the prosecution's case. He said the court viewed Uthayakumar's act as a serious offence under the Sedition Act 1948.

According to the amended charge, Uthayakumar wrote the seditious letter to Gordon Brown while the latter was serving as Britain's prime minister at 10 Downing Street, London.

He committed the offence at Jalan Toman 7, Kemayan Square, Seremban, in Negeri Sembilan on Nov 15, 2007, under Section 4(1)(a) of the Sedition Act 1948, punishable under Section 4(1) of the same Act.

Earlier, deputy public prosecutor Noorin Badaruddin requested the court to impose a custodial sentence on Uthayakumar, who was defended by counsel M. Manoharan, as the provision for fine under the charge was not adequate.

"The allegations hurled at the ruling government by the accused were clearly unfounded. We are not saying that the government cannot be criticised, but the offence committed by the accused can threaten peace and national security," she submitted.

Noorin said the use by Uthayakumar of words such as 'mini genocide', 'ethnic cleansing' and 'Islamic extremist' had portrayed the country as promoting atrocities and racial oppression.

"His statements had crossed the line from lawful criticism to an act tantamount to undermining national unity, which we cannot condone," she stressed.

Uthayakumar, who appeared calm, did not mitigate for a reduction of his sentence despite the opportunity given by the court.

Three prosecution witnesses testified at the trial which commenced in 2009.