Malaysian MP charged with sedition

KUALA LUMPUR - Seputeh member of parliament Teresa Kok was charged at the Sessions Court yesterday with sedition over her controversial Chinese New Year video "Onederful Malaysia" about three months ago in which she allegedly insulted Muslims and the nation's leaders.

Kok, 50, who wore a red baju kurung, appeared calm as she sat in the dock.

She claimed trial to a charge under Section 4 (1)(c) of the Sedition Act 1948 for her 11-minute satirical video clip titled "Teresa Kok 'Onederful' Malaysia CNY 2014" that she posted on YouTube which caused a stir among government supporters.

An eight-page transcript of the clip which allegedly contained seditious remarks was also read out by the interpreter.

Kok was alleged to have committed the offence at Putra Ria apartment in Jalan Bangsar here about 9am on Feb 1.

Judge Norsharidah Awang granted RM4,000 (S$1,543) bail with one surety and fixed June 9 for case management and Sept 2 to 5 for hearing.

Deputy public prosecutors Muhamad Iskandar Ahmad and P. Viknesvaran prosecuted while Kok was represented by counsel Datuk Param Cumaraswamy, Sankara Nair and Gobind Singh Deo.

Kok, who is also DAP national vice-chairperson, was alleged to have uploaded the video clip on YouTube on Jan 27. It allegedly poked fun at a variety of issues such as the education system, and the Sulu terrorist intrusion in Lahad Datu, Sabah, last year.