IPOH, September 26- The Sessions Court here set Oct 28 for re mention of ex Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin’s ‘slander’ case against Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.
Judge Madihah Harullah fixed the date to allow a pretrial negotiation between the prosecution and defence.Deputy public prosecutor (DPP) Masri Mohd Daud had offered the pretrial negotiation when the case was brought for re mention today.
In the interim, the defence may file their necessary applications, which would also help to expedite the prosecution’s case, according to Masri.The judge who ordered the negotiation to be held from today, said the outcome would be mentioned in the next proceeding on Oct 28.
Meanwhile, Nizar’s counsel Datuk Yusof Mohd Zainal Abidin said the defence had no objections and would submit their applications if any, within the three weeks.The accused who is Perak opposition chief and Changkat Jering assemblyman was present in court with his wife Datin Seri Fatimah Taat, and other opposition leaders.
Mohammad Nizar, 57, is accused of ridiculing the prime minister during a public speech at Taman Desa Pakatan here between 9 pm on April 23 2012 and 12 am the following day.The Perak PAS deputy commissioner was allegedly aware of the slanderous overtones in the transcript.He was charged under Section 500 of the Penal Code, which carries a maximum two years’ imprisonment or a fine, or both, upon conviction.
Mohammad Nizar was represented by 13 lawyers led by Yusof, while Masri who is also state prosecution chief, was assisted by DPP Fadhli Ab Wahab.
– BERNAMA
