GEORGE TOWN, 22 FEBRUARY, 2012: The High Court here today rejected an application by PAS deputy president Mohamad Sabu to set aside a criminal defamation charge against him regarding the Bukit Kepong communist insurgency issue.

Justice Mohd Amin Firdaus Abdullah made the decision after evaluating the defence's submission and counter-submission by the prosecution.

The judge also rejected the defence's application to stay the case pending an appeal to the appellate court and ordered the trial to proceed at the Butterworth Sessions Court.

Mohamad Sabu who is also known as Mat Sabu, 57, from Guar Petai, Tasek Gelugor claimed trial on Sept 21 last year to criminal defamation against policemen and their family members who defended themselves against communist guerillas at the Bukit Kepong police station on Feb 23, 1950.

He allegedly committed the offence in a speech at the Pusat Asuhan Tadika Islam (Pasti) Al-Fahmi, Markas Tarbiyah PAS in Padang Menora, Tasek Gelugor, between 10pm and midnight on Aug 21, 2011.
 
   
In January this year, the accused applied to set aside the charge hearing of which should was scheduled for Dec 19 - 23 last year.

Mat Sabu faces a two-year jail term or fine, or both, if convicted under Section 500 of the Penal Code.

Meanwhile, his counsel Muhammed Hanipa Maidin when met by reporters said they would file an appeal on the High Court's decision.

The prosecution was represented by DPP Suhaimi Ibrahim and DPP Yusaini Amer Abd Karim.

- Bernama