Former Dewan Negara president Tan Sri Rais Yatim pleaded not guilty at the Ayer Keroh Sessions Court on Friday to a sedition charge linked to the Negeri Sembilan royal succession dispute, Astro Awani reported.
He was charged under Section 4(1)(b) of the Sedition Act 1948, which carries a fine of up to RM5,000 or imprisonment of up to three years, or both.
The 84-year-old Parti Wawasan Negara chairman was accused of making seditious remarks at a hotel in Simpang Ampat, Alor Gajah at about 1pm on June 5.
The charge relates to remarks in which he allegedly expressed support for Tunku Nadzaruddin Tuanku Ja’afar as the 12th Yang Dipertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan and called for allegiance to him.
Rais appeared before Judge Raja Noor Adilla Raja Mahyaldin and was represented by a five-member legal team led by his son, Danni Rais. The prosecution initially sought bail of RM10,000 with one surety.
The defence asked for a lower amount, citing Rais’ cooperation with the authorities despite only being informed about the charge at around 10.30pm the previous night.
The court subsequently granted bail at RM8,000 with one surety and set Oct 27 for case mention.
The charge comes amid an ongoing dispute over the position of the Yang Dipertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan. Rais had attended a June 5 ceremony involving Tunku Nadzaruddin, although the validity of the proclamation has since been disputed.
