Lokman charged with incitement

SHAH ALAM: Umno supreme council member Datuk Lokman Noor Adam claimed trial at the Magistrate’s Court here yesterday to a charge of intending to incite public mischief.

Lokman, who is also non-governmental organisation Pemantau Malaysia Baru (PMB) president, was held over a video titled Dukacita Dimaklumkan Bahawa Pembunuh Arwah Syed Danial Pula Bakal Terlepas (It is sad to announce that the late Syed Danial’s murderer will be freed).

The 46-year-old was charged under Section 505(C) of the Penal Code for making, publishing or circulating any statement, rumour or report with intent to incite, or which is likely to incite any class or community of persons to commit any offence against any other class or community of persons.

According to the facts of the case, Lokman had allegedly uploaded the seven-minute video on Aug 12 between 1am and 11.59pm the following day.

If found guilty, he is liable to be jailed up to two years, fined or both.

DPP Mohd Sopian Zakaria proposed bail at RM10,000 and said the crime allegedly committed by Lokman was serious.

He said the video had elements that instigated the public as well as stoking racial sentiments.

Lawyer N. Logendran, meanwhile, said Lokman could only fork out RM2,000 for bail.

“My client has been without a job for 13 months. He was the communications director with the Ministry of Finance but was sacked when the government changed,” he said.

He added that Lokman has 11 children, three of whom are adopted.

Magistrate Erry Shahriman Nor Aripin set bail at RM5,000 in one surety and set Nov 19 for mention.

On Aug 10, Syed Muhammad Danial Syed Syakir died after he was involved in a road rage incident with another motorist at KM293.5 of the North-South Expressway.

The other motorist has since been charged with murder.