Ramasamy, 66, pleaded not guilty before magistrate Siti Fatimah Talib to the charge under Section 4A(1) of the Election Offences Act 1954 for inciting hostility among different groups of voters.

The offence was allegedly committed at Taman Bukit Bunga, Kuala Kubu Bharu, on May 4.

Ramasamy’s conviction and sentence were previously set aside in the High Court, after Judicial Commissioner Wendy Ooi said the accused had not understood the nature and consequences of the offence.

Ooi then ordered for a retrial to be held before a magistrate.

Ramasamy, who hails from Tanjung Rambutan, Perak, was driving a four-wheel drive at the time he allegedly committed the offence.

His lawyer Rajesh Nagarajan told FMT today that the court set bail at RM4,000, which has been paid.

He explained that Ramasamy had not fully understood the charge in the High Court earlier as it was read out to him in Malay, which he is not fluent in.

However, Ramasamy pleaded not guilty as he understood the charge read out to him today in Tamil.

The court has set June 19 for the next mention of the case, and for submission of documents by the prosecution.