Sessions Court judge Abdul Rashid Daud ruled that the prosecution had proven a prima facie on Chua’s charge under Section 4(1)(b) of the Sedition Act. “What was said during the forum has the tendency to incite the people,” he said.

Judge Abdul Rashid set April 25 to 26 for the continuation of the trial.

Chua, when asked by the court interpreter on his statement, replied that he would take the witness stand.

Chua’s lawyer New Sin Yew said they will rebut the prosecution’s case during the next hearing. “What he said were generic words that people use everyday.”

“If those words are construed as seditious, then it will create a dangerous precedent which affects the people.”

Chua, also PKR vice-president, was charged on 29 May 2013 for uttering the allegedly seditious words.

His charge, under Section 4 (1) (b) of the Sedition Act, provides a maximum fine of RM5,000 or three years jail, or both if convicted. He will lose his parliamentary seat if he is convicted and fined at least RM2,000 or one-year jail or both.