Court reverses acquittal of Bilqis Hijjas

KUALA LUMPUR: The High Court has reversed the acquittal of dance producer Bilqis Hijjas (pic) who was charged with behaving in an insulting manner at a function attended by the Prime Minister and his wife.

Justice Mohd Sofian Abd Razak on Tuesday ordered Bilqis, the daughter of architect Hijjas Kasturi, to enter her defence after the prosecution appealed against a magistrate's court decision on July 1 which acquitted her of the charge.

The judge said the prosecution had proven a prima facie case against Bilqis.

Met by reporters after the decision, Bilqis' counsel Eric Paulsen said they would call one witness.

Bilqis was accused of dropping the balloons from the fifth floor at the shopping mall in Bukit Bintang here at about 3.15pm on Aug 31, 2015.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor were attending the DiverseCity 2015 Kuala Lumpur International Arts Festival on the ground floor.

The balloons contained the words “democracy”, “free media”, and “justice.”

She was charged under Section 14 of the Minor Offences Act 1955 for behaving in an insulting manner with the purpose of stirring anger which would likely cause disturbance.

The offence carries a fine of not more than RM100 upon conviction.

Bilqis, 37, was charged at the magistrate's court here on Sept 24, 2015 where she had claimed trial. The magistrate acquitted her of the charge on July 1.