Raja Petra (top), a former Internal Security Act detainee, had on May 6 2008 claimed trial to publishing a seditious article on his Malaysia Today news portal on April 25 of that same year. -- PHOTO: REUTERSPETALING JAYA - THE Sessions Court here issued a warrant of arrest against Malaysia Today editor Raja Petra Kamarudin on Thursday after he failed to turn up for his sedition trial.
His lawyer J. Chandra informed judge Rozina Ayob that his client did not turn up in court on the grounds he is on a self-imposed exile from the state for 'reasons that are well known.'
'You know these 'well known reasons,' so please highlight them to the court,' Judge Rozina said. 'The accused is posting his reasons on his website this morning,' said Mr Chandra.
'You expect the court to go through that, is it?' the judge said.
Mr Chandra then went out to explain that for over a month now, Raja Petra, 58, has posted articles or comments on issues in relation to the Selangor royal house that have angered some members of his own family who have demanded an apology.
In court on Thursday, his lawyer Chandra added, 'You have to bear in mind that he is a member of royalty and this self-imposed exile is a punishment he has handed out to himself.'
His wife Marina Lee, who is also his bailor, was also absent.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Shahidani Aziz asked for a warrant of arrest to be issued against Raja Petra and a notice of showcause for his wife and bailor Marina. The judge granted both and set May 22 for mention.
Raja Petra, a former Internal Security Act detainee, had on May 6 2008 claimed trial to publishing a seditious article on his Malaysia Today news portal on April 25 of that same year.
He is accused of publishing the article Let's send the Altantuya murderers to hell on the website www.malaysia-today.net.
The charge under Section 4(1)(c) of the Sedition Act 1948 carries a maximum fine of RM5,000 or three years' jail or both upon conviction. -- THE STAR/ANN
1 comment:
am i able to take a automobile insurance firm to small claims court? The insurer business refused my claim, (I would take the to blame driver to small claims but I've no address to serve them or send a requirement letter). The opposite driver was at fault but his particular insurance company claims there may be a difference in your statements to make sure they have to take the word of their insured vs. my word. I do think they acted in lousy belief and did not execute a proper investigation would this even be a valid claim in small claims court? I have to consider the responsible drivers insurance carrier (not my own) to small claims for your damages to my car.
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