Wan Maseri Wan Mohd, 59, is alleged to have committed the act at a house in Kampung Nuri Balai Panjang, Johol, Kuala Pilah at about 9.45am on Feb 27.

She was charged with stating, among other things, that the human spirit was derived from the “essence of God” and that all actions were based on “direct instructions” from God.

The charges were framed under Section 52 of the Shariah Criminal Enactment (Negeri Sembilan) 1992 (2019 Amendment), which provides for a fine not exceeding RM5,000 or imprisonment for not more than three years, or both, upon conviction.

Earlier, deputy chief prosecutor Rohaizad Redzuan requested the court to impose bail of RM8,000 with a civil servant in surety, taking into account that the teachings of the accused had spread widely through social media.

Rohaizad also informed the court that the prosecution would bring in witnesses at the next trial date, following the accused’s unwillingness to appoint a lawyer to represent her.

Judge Ruzita Ramli allowed bail of RM4,500 with a civil servant as surety and set April 4 for mention.

Yesterday, Wan Maseri and 17 other women aged between 20 and 60 were arrested by the Negeri Sembilan Islamic religious affairs department (JHEAINS) during a “lecture session” at a house in Johol.

Separately, at the Kuala Pilah shariah lower court, the accused was fined RM3,000 and imprisoned for a year after she pleaded guilty to a charge of teaching without a certificate from the credentials committee.

The charges were framed under Section 52 of the Shariah Criminal Enactment (Negeri Sembilan) 1992 (2019 Amendment)

Judge Sabarudin Bidin ordered Wan Maseri to be imprisoned from the date she was arrested, besides serving another six months’ jail term if she failed to pay the fine.