Rais Yatim pleads not guilty to sedition charge

AYER KEROH: Parti Wawasan Negara chairman Tan Sri Rais Yatim today pleaded not guilty at the Ayer Keroh Sessions Court to a charge under the Sedition Act.

The former Dewan Negara president made the plea from the dock after the charge was read and explained to him before judge Raja Noor Adilla Raja Mahyaldin.

"I understand the charge. I plead not guilty and claim trial," he said.

According to the charge sheet, Rais, 84, allegedly uttered seditious words as set out in the sentences underlined in Appendix A to the charge.

The statement was: "Praying for the safety of Tunku Nadzaruddin as the 12th Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negri Sembilan.

"So, after this, His Royal Highness Tuanku Nadzaruddin, as the 12th Yang di-Pertuan Besar, is free to do anything concerning the affairs of the state.

"And our call is to focus our loyalty on him because we follow the law and customs practised in Negri Sembilan."

The offence was allegedly committed at Parkroyal A'Famosa Melaka Resort, Jalan Kemus, Simpang Ampat, Alor Gajah, at about 1pm on June 5.

He was charged with an offence under paragraph 4(1)(b) of the Sedition Act 1948 [Act 15], punishable under subsection 4(1) of the same Act.

If convicted, he faces a fine of up to RM5,000 or a maximum jail term of three years, or both.