Isma president fined for sedition

His article labelled Chinese as intruders

KAJANG: Ikatan Muslimin Malaysia (Isma) president Abdullah Zaik Abd Rahman (pic) was fined RM2,000 by a Sessions Court here for publishing a seditious article on the NGO’s website.

“After considering evidence from witnesses and submissions from both parties, the court found that the prosecution had succeeded in establishing a case beyond reasonable doubt,” said Judge Noridah Adam.

Abdullah Zaik was charged alternatively with publishing the article titled “The Coming of the Chinese with the British colonialists a Form of Intrusion” on Isma’s website which labelled the Chinese as intruders.

He was accused under Section 4(1)(c) of the Sedition Act.

The offence was committed at Jalan Medan Pusat Bandar 1A, Bandar Baru Bangi, Section 9, on May 6, 2014.

On May 16, Judge Noridah acquitted and discharged the accused from a principal charge over the “Chinese were trespassers” remark.

He was charged with committing the offence at the Isma headquarters in Bangi on May 6 under Section 4(1) (b) of the same Act.

Izwan Ariff Ibrahim was the deputy public prosecutor while counsel Salim Bashir acted for Abdullah Zaik.

In a statement later, MCA Religious Harmony Bureau chairman Datuk Seri Ti Lian Ker said the outcome was a sign that justice had been served.

“I must laud the judiciary and the Attorney-General’s Chambers for upholding the laws without fear and favour.

“We must not allow a handful of people to tear this nation apart by uttering or hurling seditious words against others in an attempt to appear heroic,” he said.

Ti said the act of hurling racial insults at others, particularly towards the minority, was a form of bullying and intimidation.

“I am glad that our political masters and guardians of justice are seen to be taking stock and putting a stop to this form of politicking that is hindering our progress towards becoming a mature nation,” he said.