KUALA LUMPUR: Terengganu state executive councillor Datuk Razali Idris (pic) was fined RM2,000 after being convicted of making seditious remarks at the launch of the Bersatu machinery for the Kemaman by-election three years ago.
Sessions Court judge Norma Ismail ruled that the prosecution had proven its case beyond reasonable doubt, and ordered that he serve three months in jail if he failed to pay the fine.
On Nov 24, 2023, Razali, a former Bersatu information chief, was charged with uttering seditious words by alleging that a certain court decision was controlled by the government.
The offence was allegedly committed at Padang Astaka Chukai, Kemaman, Terengganu, between 9.30pm and 11.30pm on Nov 10 that year.
The Kijal assemblyman was charged under Section 4(1)(b) of the Sedition Act 1948, which is punishable under Section 4(1) of the same Act, which carries a fine of up to RM5,000, maximum jail of three years, or both, upon conviction, Bernama reported.
Earlier, deputy public prosecutor Izzat Amir Idham urged the court to impose a custodial sentence, arguing that the offence committed by Razali was serious in nature.
“The prosecution submits that a firm, proportionate and effective sentence be imposed on the accused. A fine alone would be inadequate as it does not reflect the gravity of the offence.
“This is because the accused is a person of high standing and influence, and a fine could be perceived as a burden that can be easily borne without any real deterrent effect,” he said.
Izzat Amir further stated that the accused was no ordinary individual, being an elected representative and political leader entrusted with public responsibility.
Lawyer Awang Armadajaya Awang Mahmud, who represented Razali, 59, pleaded for his client to be spared a jail sentence, citing his contributions to national politics.
“In this case, there is no issue of national security or public order, as the statement did not have any impact on society.
“A prison sentence exceeding 12 months or a fine exceeding RM2,000 would result in the accused losing his eligibility as an assemblyman under Article 48 of the Federal Constitution, which would in turn necessitate a by-election,” he said.
A total of four prosecution witnesses and four defence witnesses, including the accused, testified during the trial which began last September. Razali paid the fine.
