Dramatic twist doesn't stop Papagomo's trial

Datuk Seri Wan Azri Wan Deris is charged under Section 4(1)(b) of the Sedition Act 1948 for statements made on video which might incite hatred among members of the public.
Bernama Picture

The sedition trial of former UMNO Youth exco member Datuk Seri Wan Azri Wan Deris took a dramatic twist today when the sessions court was told that the prosecution’s first witness had withdrawn his complaint. 

According to FMT's report, lawyer Encik  Rafique Rashid Ali told judge Puan Siti Aminah Ghazali that Encik Hisham Sharudin filed a police report to that effect two hours after giving evidence yesterday. 

“The report was made to withdraw the (complaint) that triggered the prosecution’s filing of the charge,” said Rafique, who together with Encik Logen Eskander represented the accused who goes by the moniker “Papagomo”. 

Rafique also urged the court to recall Hisham to the witness stand so that a just decision could be made.

Deputy public prosecutor Encik Mustaffa P Kunyalam submitted that the trial could proceed despite Hisham’s retraction as the prosecution’s case did not rest solely on his testimony. 

“We have nine other prosecution witnesses and our case should be decided after hearing all of them,” he said.

Mustaffa, who was assisted by deputy public prosecutor Puan T Deepa Nair, claimed the witness had made a “tactical manoeuvre”.

However, he said Hisham’s testimony in court was consistent with the statement he had provided to the police. 

Mustaffa said it was for the attorney-general in his capacity as public prosecutor to decide whether to institute, conduct or discontinue a case. 

In reply, Rafique said that Hisham, a trader, was a material witness and that the prosecution’s case hinged on his testimony.

“It is important that the witness be recalled as the term ‘tactical manoeuvre’ has been used to label him,” he said.

Aminah then allowed the defence’s application to recall the witness, who is to take the stand at the next hearing on July 29.

The court also allowed the prosecution to call other witnesses to testify, overruling objections from the defence.

In his testimony in court, Hisham claimed he lodged his initial police report because he was worried about potential fighting and unrest following purported provocative remarks by Wan Azri, linking the government with Israel and the West.

He said he had watched videos on the Facebook account of Halid Hamidi and TikTok account “@projekpapa” which featured Wan Azri’s statement prior to making the report.

The witness said Wan Azri’s statements alleging that the government was pro-Israel might incite hatred among the people.

Another witness, senior government officer Encik  Zahairi Baharim, who was attached to Wisma Putra between May 2022 and February this year, said police had interviewed him to determine the government’s stand on Palestine between 1957 and now.

“Based on records and statements made by leaders at international conferences, our stand is consistent (that is) not to recognise the state of Israel but only Palestine,” said Zahairi, who was in charge of West Asian affairs.

On January 8, Wan Azri pleaded not guilty to charges of incitement.

He was accused of making the remarks on Facebook, which were observed by an individual at a condominium on Jalan Tong Shin, Bukit Bintang, at 1pm on November 8 last year.

The charge is framed under Section 4(1)(b) of the Sedition Act 1948, which carries penalties outlined in Section 4(1) of the same law, including a fine of up to RM5,000, a maximum of three years in prison, or both, upon conviction.

The appearance and act on the above video are for illustration purpose only.

End©Permadu


By Fauzi Kadir
Chief Editor

Assistant Editor
Nazura Othman


Final editing and brought to you by
Fauzi Kadir CHIEF EDITOR

© 2024 Permadu Harmony Bersepadu
(Semua Hak Cipta Terpel
ihara)
All Rights Reserved 
E-mail: permadu@gmail.com

(DILULUSKAN UNTUK SIARAN OLEH LEMBAGA SIDANG PENGARANG
PUBLISHED UPON APPROVAL BY THE EDITORIAL BOARD  
Official and authorised bank account for Permadu Malaysia
Fauzi Bin Abd... 7600650948 CIMB Bank

Visiting Permadu Malaysia is absolutely free and we operate with non-profit making objective. We hope you enjoy and feel happy visiting and reading every presentation from us.

If you have the generosity to support our operations and continuous activities of charity to those who are less fortunate, we would be grateful to accept sincere contributions from any individuals or organisations. 

Contact us at permadu@gmail.com for further details and information. No obligation and no commitment.

Comments

POPULAR POSTS from Permadu Malaysia

Beer, khalwat and a hundred other non-halal things

Satu demi satu agamawan problematik muncul, terkini Dr Mashitah Ibrahim

Representing 22,000 lawyers, Malaysian Bar to challenge Pardons Board's reduced Najib's jail sentence and fine

Sultan Ibrahim tidak akan melayan sama sekali mereka yang melobi untuk mendapat gelaran Tan Sri, Datuk

Gaji CEO TNB khabarnya berjuta, tapi prestasi GLC itu macam tak sepadan

Imam, son and religious officer arrested — Alleged RM1.2m corruption involving marriage registration in Perlis

Jabatan Penjara Malaysia jawab "Abang Mat" mengenai layanan kepada Anwar sebagai banduan

Guna air-air janggut, kaki, rambut dan gigi dalam masakan tidak benar, kata pemilik, pembimbing rangkaian restoran

Jokowi, anak beranak, ipar dan menantu cuba kontrol Indonesia — rakyat hilang sabar, mula membenci Jokowi, berdemo, membakar

Handsome anak lelaki tunggal Anwar Ibrahim dan Wan Azizah