Following his Facebook comments on a report alleging high-level discussions for a casino in the Forest City area, a Malaysian political activist posted a plea of not guilty to charges of sedition in a Johor Bahru court today ( Apr 30 ).  ,
Badrul Hisham Shaharin, 45, also known as Chegubard, was charged under Section 4 ( 1 ) ( c ) of the Sedition Act 1948, which carries a maximum RM5, 000 ( US$ 1046 ) fine, imprisonment of up to three years, or both, upon conviction.
The court has set the trial date for June 24 for additional discussion of the case, surrender of files, and building of more dates.
According to a Bloomberg report, Badrul met with Mr. Vincent Tan, the creator of property development company Berjaya, and Mr. Lim Kok Thay, the CEO of global hospitality and resorts specialist Genting Group, to hold tentative discussions over a casino license for Forest City. On April 28, Badrul was detained in response to Facebook comments he posted.
The review, published on Apr 25 and citing “people familiar with the matter”, said the conversations were a “bid to resurrect the besieged US$ 100 billion home job that counts the country’s queen as one of its shareholders”.
On the day of the Bloomberg article’s release, Mr Anwar denied that the state was mulling over a subsequent game permission. Genting Group and Berjaya have even denied the states, with the latter nevertheless noting that the Bloomberg document contained remarks that were “false”, “untrue” and “unwarranted”.
According to the New Straits Times, Berjaya has also stated that it filed authorities information on April 26 regarding the content, alleging malicious intent to elicit social unrest.  ,
According to the Malay Mail, Badrul’s Facebook article implied that this reported new casino was the “financial hub” that Mr. Anwar had formerly stated, referring to the state’s plans to designate Forest City as a special economic zone to encourage investment and economic development.  ,
According to Malaysian advertising, Badrul also thanked Bloomberg and the Business Times for their alleged content on the alleged talks. The Straits Times, a routine in Singapore, also reported on the alleged gathering regarding the casino’s license.
The advocate was granted parole of RM10, 000, according to his solicitor Rafique Rashid.
Sheriff public prosecution Masri Daud, Ghafar Latif, Malik Ayob and Nadia Izhar first recommended bail of RM20, 000 with one principal, but Mr Rafique said this was exceedingly high, according to Free Malaysia Now.  ,
The trial even requested a gag order preventing Badrul from making common comments, including on social media platforms, until the case is resolved, according to local media reports.
This is the most current charge brought against the advocate in recent days.
At the Kuala Lumpur judge for the study of crime on April 29, Badrul entered a not-guilty plea to not guilty to two counts of criminal libel and sedition.
He was accused of making slanderous statements at the standard royal house, Istana Negara at 6pm on Jan 22, which may harm the Oleh di- Pertuan Agong’s status, according to Free Malaysia Today.
The accused was charged under Section 500 of the Penal Code, which forbids a maximum sentence in prison of two years in prison or a fine, or both.
Badrul is also accused of setting up a seditious post at Taman Bukit Cheras on April 6 at 12:15 pm.
On the casino issue, the unity government’s spokesperson Fahmi Fadzil said several police reports had been lodged regarding the matter, but they had yet to be scrutinised.
There have been numerous reports about this case. I have yet to receive detailed information”, he said, cited by the New Straits Times at a press conference on Monday.
He also mentioned that a cabinet meeting on Tuesday ( Apr 30 ) could decide whether the government would take legal action against those who made the allegations.
Mr. Rafique, the attorney for Badrul, inquired as to why the activist had received more scrutiny than the alleged talks ‘ reports.  ,
He said,” I want to suggest that the prime minister, home affairs minister, and communications minister reverse the press accreditation for Bloomberg, Straits Times, and Business Times.”
” They have not retracted their articles. ( I ) request that the AG ( Attorney General ) issue a summons to these media organisations”, he added.