Dr Akmal Saleh’s lawyers to file second representation after prosecutors reject bid to drop charge

Prosecutors have rejected a representation by Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh seeking to have a charge against him dropped, prompting his lawyers to submit a second appeal to the Attorney General. — Bernama pic

By Malay Mail

First Published: Monday, 26 Oct 2026 2:14 PM MYT

BUKIT MERTAJAM, Oct 26 — Prosecutors have rejected a representation by Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh seeking to have a charge against him dropped, prompting his lawyers to submit a second appeal to the Attorney General.

His lead counsel, Aizat Azam, said the defence has applied to file a second representation to the Attorney General, setting out the facts and legal arguments relating to the case, Sinar Harian (SH) reported.

Speaking outside the Bukit Mertajam Court Complex today, Aizat said the first representation, filed in December 2025, was rejected and the decision conveyed during today’s case mention.

He said the case has been ongoing for more than a year, but no trial date has been fixed as the defence awaits a decision on whether the prosecution will proceed.

Muhamad Akmal, 38, pleaded not guilty in August last year to a charge under Section 505(b) of the Penal Code over a statement allegedly posted on the Facebook page “Akmal Saleh” that was said to have caused public alarm and could incite offences against public order.

Aizat also told SH that the defence has filed a judicial review application against the Attorney General over his authority to prosecute the case. The matter remains at the case management stage, with a further online session scheduled at the Penang High Court tomorrow.

The Magistrates’ Court fixed January 4 next year for the outcome of the second representation.

The prosecution was led by state prosecution director Muna Mohamed Jaafar before Magistrate Roshayati Radellah. Muhamad Akmal was represented by a team of 10 lawyers.