Judge Rasidah Roslee fixed the dates after receiving the agreement of both parties.

On April 30, Badrul pleaded not guilty to making seditious remarks on his “Che GuBard” Facebook page four days earlier.

The charge was framed under Section 4(1)(c) of the Sedition Act 1948, which provides for a maximum fine of RM5,000 or imprisonment for up to three years, or both, if found guilty.

Kuala Lumpur prosecution director Kalmizah Salleh and deputy public prosecutor Nurilya Ellyna Nor Azmal appeared for the prosecution, while lawyer Rafique Rashid Ali represented Badrul.

At a press conference held after the court proceedings, Rafique said he was still waiting for a mention date in the Court of Appeal  for his client’s appeal against a gag order. He said the filing was made on May 27.

On May 20, the High Court here issued a gag order barring Badrul from issuing any statements or comments related to the alleged casino until the disposal of the case.

Justice Abu Bakar Katar, in his judgment, said freedom of speech under Article 10 of the Federal Constitution has its limits and is not an absolute right.