In 2014, Khalid suggested that state laws be amended to remove Mais' power over enforcement, after it refused to return hundred of bibles seized from the Bible Society of Malaysia. — Picture by Yusof Mat Isa

KUALA LUMPUR, June 7 — The Sessions Court here today acquitted Shah Alam member of parliament Khalid Abdul Samad of sedition against the Selangor Islamic Religious Council (Mais).

Judge Rohatul Akmar Abdullah ruled that the prosecution had failed to prove a prima facie case against Khalid, 61, at the conclusion of its case.

She said the court found the words and paragraph in Khalid’s statement in question to be a suggestion to review Mais’ authority.

"The suggestion and views were reasonable. Hence it is not safe to order the accused to enter his defence. Therefore the court discharges and acquit him of the charge,” ruled the judge.

Khalid was accused of committing the offence at the Parliament Building lobby at 11.30 am on June 17, 2014, as charged under 4(1)(b) of the Sedition Act 1948, which carries a maximum three years imprisonment or a fine of up to RM5,000 on conviction.

The prosecution was represented by deputy public prosecutor Othman Abdullah while the accused was defended by counsel Mohamed Hanipa Maidin.

Twelve prosecution witnesses were called during the trial which commenced on June 12, 2016.

Meanwhile, Khalid who is also political party, Amanah’s communications director when met by media expressed relief, saying he had not intended to be inciteful when he gave the statement. — Bernama