BUKIT MERTAJAM: Umno Youth chief Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh has pleaded not guilty to a charge of making a statement likely to cause fear or alarm to the public.
Dr Akmal claimed trial before Magistrate Nurul Rasyidah Mohd Akit at the Bukit Mertajam court here on Friday (Aug 22).
Based on the charge sheet, he is accused of making statements on Facebook at about 3pm on Aug 11 that may cause public alarm and induce offences against public order.
The statement was seen and heard by one Chong Wei Hoong at the Bukit Mertajam parliamentary service centre, leading to a complaint being lodged.
The charge is punishable under Section 505(b) of the Penal Code for making statements conducing to public mischief.
If convicted, he can be punished with up to two years' jail, a fine, or both.
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Penang Prosecution director Datuk Mohd Nordin Ismail urged the court to set discretionary bail at RM10,000.
Counsel Aizat Azam, representing Dr Akmal, said his client was a professional with duties to carry out.
"He is also a (Melaka) state executive committee chairman and an assemblyman.
"He has two children (to provide for)," he said.
Datuk Mohd Imran Tamrin, another member of Dr Akmal's defence team, urged for lower bail of RM2,000 as it was not a serious offence.
"He (Dr Akmal) came to the court on his own.
"Bail is only to ensure attendance in court, and he is here.
"If the bail is set at a high amount, it will be like punishing him before the case is over," Imran said.
Magistrate Nurul Rasyidah then set bail at RM5,000 with one surety.
She also fixed Sept 22 for case management and submission of documents.
Outside the courthouse, about 100 of Dr Akmal's supporters lined Jalan Betek in Taman Bukit Kecil, where the court is located, as they waited for him to post bail.
He then posted bail.
