Prosecution rejects Akmal's bid to drop criminal charge

BUKIT MERTAJAM: The prosecution has rejected a representation by Umno Youth chief Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh to drop a criminal charge against him for causing public fear.

State prosecution director Muna Mohamed Jaafar informed the court of the decision during proceedings this morning.

She told magistrate Roshayati Radellah that she had discussed the matter with Akmal's legal team, which would update the court on the next step.

Akmal's lead counsel, Aizat Azam, said the defence would submit a second representation directly to the Attorney-General (A-G).

"Today, we have been informed of the decision concerning the representation we previously submitted on behalf of our client.

"Following its rejection, we have received instructions from our client to submit a second representation directly to the A-G" he said.

Muna said the prosecution had no objection to the defence submitting another representation.

"I will personally forward the representation to the A-G," she said.

Roshayati fixed Jan 4 next year for the decision on the representation.

On Aug 22 last year, the Merlimau assemblyman, 38, claimed trial to a charge of making a statement on Facebook that allegedly caused public fear.

The charge was framed under Section 505(b) of the Penal Code, which provides for a maximum jail term of two years, a fine, or both, upon conviction.

Read the earlier report.

On June 11, it was reported that Dr Akmal had filed a judicial review to challenge the A-G's decision to charge him.

The main issues raised included allegations of selective prosecution, inconsistent treatment of people in similar circumstances and whether the prosecution was consistent with the guarantee of equality before the law under Article 8 of the Federal Constitution.

Speaking to reporters outside the court, Aizat said the first representation had been submitted about 10 months ago.

Following its rejection, the defence would submit a second representation directly to the A-G to present the facts, views and legal opinions relating to the case.

He said the case had been ongoing for more than a year, but no trial date had been fixed.

Aizat said the defence had also filed a judicial review concerning the A-G's jurisdiction and authority to prosecute Akmal and institute the charge.

To date, the case remains at the case management stage.

The next case management session is scheduled to take place online at the Penang High Court tomorrow.

Aizat said the defence would inform the court that it required another date to await the outcome of the second representation.