Uthaya's sedition trial postponed

P Uthayakumar's sedition trial has been postponed by the Sessions Court as he has a doctor's appointment in the UK.

His lawyer N Surendran (right) told the Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court that his client had an appointment on Aug 6 at the Spire Bushey Hospital for a “rare heart condition”.

"His lawyers had written in to the attorney-general’s chambers on July 31 about this,” he said.

DPP Noorin Badaruddin objected to the postponement and wanted the court to issue a warrant of arrest.

"I did not receive a letter from Uthayakumar's lawyers asking for a postponement. I want the court to issue warrant of arrest."

Judge Sabariah Othman however agreed to postpone the matter and fixed Sept 28-30 for the hearing.

On Dec 11, 2007, Uthayakumar (left), 46, had pleaded not guilty to publishing on the Police Watch website a letter from Hindraf addressed to British Prime Minister Gordon Brown at 10 Downing Street, which was said to have seditious contents.

The offence was allegedly committed at No.8-10-5, Menara Mutiara Bangsar, Bangsar, between Nov 15 and Dec 8, 2007. This was Uthayakumar's legal firm.

The charge under section 4(1)(c) of the Sedition Act 1948 carries a maximum RM5,000 fine or three years jail, or both, on conviction.

[Full report to follow]