Dr Akmal denies causing public fear

UMNO Youth chief Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh has pleaded not guilty to a charge of publishing a statement intended to cause fear or alarm to the public.

The Merlimau assemblyman, who appeared in high spirits, entered his plea before magistrate Nurul Rasyidah Mohd Akit in Bukit Mertajam on Friday.

According to the charge sheet, he allegedly posted a statement on his Facebook account at about 3pm on Aug 11 which could cause public alarm and incite offences against public order.

The offence, under Section 505(b) of the Penal Code, carries a maximum two-year jail term, a fine, or both upon conviction.

State prosecution director Mohd Nordin Ismail urged the court to impose bail of RM10,000.

Defence counsel Aizat Azam argued that his client, who is married with two school-going children, also serves as a state executive councillor in Melaka and should be granted reasonable bail to fulfil his responsibilities.

Co-counsel Mohd Imran Tamrin added that Dr Muhamad Akmal posed no flight risk.

He said a high bail amount would create the perception that his client is being penalised before conviction.

“He came to court on his own. Bail is meant to ensure attendance, and with his background, he will attend all court proceedings,” said Mohd Imran in requesting bail of RM2,000.

The Magistrate’s Court eventually set bail at RM5,000 with one surety and fixed Sept 22 for submission of case documents.

Dr Muhamad Akmal posted bail before leaving the court at about 10.25am.

Outside, a large crowd of supporters, some arriving as early as 7.30am, lined the street with banners and Jalur Gemilang in solidarity with him.

Addressing them, Dr Muhamad Akmal said, “I take full responsibility, and I will face the trial without fear.”

Dr Akmal nafi ancam ketenteraman awam

KETUA Pemuda UMNO Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh mengaku tidak bersalah di Mahkamah Majistret Bukit Mertajam, Jumaat lalu atas pertuduhan menimbulkan kegentaran terhadap keselamatan awam menerusi akaun media sosial beliau pada 11 Ogos lalu.
Dr Muhamad Akmal, 37 tahun, membuat pengakuan tersebut dan minta dibicarakan selepas pertuduhan dibacakan jurubahasa di hadapan Majistret Nurul Rashidah Mohd Akit.
Mengikut pertuduhan, Muhamad Akmal didakwa telah memuat naik kenyataan di laman Facebook ‘Akmal Saleh’ yang mungkin menimbulkan kegentaran awam serta boleh mendorong mana-mana orang supaya melakukan kesalahan terhadap ketenteraman awam.
Kesalahan didakwa dilakukan sekitar jam 3 petang pada 11 Ogos.
Bagi kesalahan itu, beliau boleh dihukum di bawah Seksyen 505 (b) Kanun Keseksaan (Akta 574) yang memperuntukkan hukuman penjara sehingga dua tahun atau denda atau kedua-duanya jika sabit kesalahan.
Kes dikendalikan Pengarah Pendakwaan Negeri Datuk Mohd Nordin Ismail manakala Dr Muhamad Akmal diwakili lapan peguam diketuai Aizat Azam.
Semasa prosiding, pihak pendakwa raya mencadangkan jaminan diberikan sebanyak RM10,000.
Bagaimanapun pihak pembelaan memohon agar anak guamnya diberikan jaminan sebanyak RM2,000 atas alasan beliau perlu menyara seorang isteri dan dua orang anak yang masih kecil dan bersekolah.
Katanya, Dr Muhamad Akmal juga perlu melaksanakan tugas rasminya sebagai wakil rakyat, iaitu Ahli Dewan Undangan Negeri (ADUN) Merlimau, serta menjalankan tugas Exco di Melaka, selain tugas sebagai Ketua Pemuda UMNO.
Mahkamah kemudian membenarkan beliau diikat jamin RM5,000 dengan seorang penjamin.
Kes ditetapkan untuk disebut semula pada 22 September depan.
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