Akmal fails to have charge over Jalur Gemilang post dropped
Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh's attempt to have a charge related to a Facebook post about an upside-down Malaysian flag dropped has been rejected by the Penang prosecution director. His legal team plans to submit a second representation to the attorney-general, as the case has been ongoing for over a year without a trial date.
Why it matters
This case highlights ongoing legal proceedings against a prominent political figure in Malaysia, touching on issues of public order, freedom of speech, and the legal system's pace, which could have implications for political discourse and public sentiment in the country.
Last August, Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh was charged under Section 505(b) of the Penal Code with making statements likely to cause public fear or alarm. (Bernama pic)
PETALING JAYA: The Penang prosecution director has rejected Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh’s representation seeking to have a charge connected to a Facebook post linked to an upside-down display of the Jalur Gemilang dropped.
His lawyer, Aizat Azam, said the representation was submitted about 10 months ago, and the rejection was communicated during case mention today, Sinar Harian reported.
He said the defence applied to the Bukit Mertajam magistrates’ court on Monday to submit a second representation to the attorney-general (AG) to present the facts, views and legal opinions concerning the case.
"God willing, we will submit the representation to the AG’s office after this," he told reporters outside the Bukit Mertajam court complex today.
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