Tian Chua accused of inciting

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Tian Chua (right) talking to his lawyer, Latheefa Koya (left) before his trial in the Sessions Court on charges of seditious statements on the issue of invasion of Lahad Datu.

Kuala Lumpur: Vice President of the People's Justice Party (PKR), Tian Chua charged in the Sessions Court here yesterday for allegedly inciting issued a statement, for allegedly associating with the UMNO government and armed terrorist aggression in Lahad Datu.

Tian Chua or his real name Chua Tian Chang, 50, pleaded not guilty and claimed trial to the charge under the Sedition Act 1948 read out to him in front of Judge Mohamad Sekeri Mamat.
Seditious words

Batu MP alleged seditious words were based mentioning the following statement:

- Shooting attack in Lahad Datu believed UMNO government planned conspiracy to distract and intimidate people:

- The incident raises many questions and doubts behind puppet toy UMNO government;

- Describing the war in Lahad Datu only legitimate government to intimidate people seem to exist in Sabah insecurity, and
- There is a conspiracy by the UMNO government to distract the people of Sabah, especially
from issues of identity cards to foreigners.

When the interpreter asks plea to the charge, said Tian Chua
"This complaint is politically motivated, I will answer this slander to clean
my name. "

Tian Chua alleged offense was addressed numbered 62-2 A, Fraser Business Park, Off Jalan Metro Pudu, Jalan Loke Yew, here, at 11 am, 1 March.

He faces charges under Section 4 (1) (b) of the Sedition Act 1948 (Act 15) which is punishable under Section 4 (1) of the same Act.

The charges carries a penalty for the first offense, a fine of not more than RM5, 000 and imprisonment not exceeding three years, and for the second offense, imprisonment not exceeding five years.

Deputy Public Prosecutor Abdul Karim Amer Yusaini then told the court, the prosecution offered bail of RM5, 000 to the accused but counsel N Surendran apply that his client be released without bail bonds.

Cooperate

Surendran said Tian Chua to give full cooperation to the police during the investigation and the charges against him have no merit as Prime Minister on 11 July last year had announced the Sedition Act would be repealed.

He said he will file an application as soon as possible to cancel the prosecution of Tian Chua on the grounds of abuse of power for the prosecution, is more political.

Yusaini Amer said in reply argument, offered a guaranteed amount is reasonable and too early for the defense stated that the charge does not have
merit because the evidence and testimony presented only when the court heard the whole case through witness testimony.

He said that the Sedition Act 1948 is the law valid and remains in force in the country and any breach of the law, is an offense.

After hearing the arguments of both sides, Mohamad Sekeri ruled that the defense arguments are premature at this stage and allowed bail of RM5, 000 such as the amount of the prosecution offered, reasonable.

Fixed the case for mention on April 12