Sessions Court Judge Noridah Adam made the decision after finding the prosecution had proven a prima facie case against Abdullah Zaik, 48.

However, the court acquitted Abdullah Zaik on a charge of uttering seditious words with regard to the arrival of the Chinese and the British to Malaya after the prosecution failed to prove a prima facie case against him.

According to the alternative charge against the Isma president, he was alleged to have published a seditious article titled, “The Arrival of the Chinese with the British Colonialists a Form of Intrusion” on www.ismaweb.net.

The charge under Section 4(1)(c) of the Seditious Act 1948 carries a maximum jail of three years, upon conviction.

The court fixed July 21 for the accused, who is represented by lawyer Salim Bashir, to defend himself.

Deputy Public Prosecutor Mohd Mukhzany Fariz Mohd Mokhtar appeared for the prosecution. Seven prosecution witnesses were called to testify during the trial which began last year.

– BERNAMA