Batu MP Tian Chua’s sedition charge for his statement on the Sulu attack in Lahad Datu, Sabah, will go to trial.
Kuala Lumpur High Court judge Amelia Tee Abdullah today dismissed Tian Chua's application to strike out the charge.
Justice Amelia ruled that the matter should be tried as the attorney-general has the power to institute the charge because the Sedition Act is valid as long as it is not repealed.
She said although the prime minister announced that the government was re-looking the Sedition Act, this was merely policy and policy could change.Justice Amelia also rejected the oral application for a stay of the hearing pending appeal from Tian Chua's lawyers, Latheefa Koya and Eric Paulsen, who indicated they would file an appeal and stay of today’s decision.
The sedition trial is slated to continue in the sessions court in Kuala Lumpur on on Oct 16 and 17.
Tian Chua, whose real name is Chua Tian Chang, 50, had on March 14 claimed trial to uttering seditious statements on the intrusion in Lahad Datu by militants from the Philippines.
He is alleged to have said the incident was an Umno conspiracy aimed at diverting the people’s attention and creating fear among Malaysians.
Tian Chua has been charged with committing the offence at 11am on March 1 at 62-2-A Fraser Business Park, Jalan Metro Pudu, off Jalan Yew in Kuala Lumpur.
He was charged under Section 4(1)(b) of the Sedition Act 1948, which is punishable under Section 4 (1) of the same Act.
The offence provides for a maximum fine of RM5,000 or up to three years in jail, or both, upon conviction.
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