Terengganu:<Text>

Terengganu state executive council member and Kijal assemblyman Datuk Razali Idris was fined RM2,000 by the Sessions Court here today after being found guilty of making seditious remarks at the launch of the Bersatu machinery for the Kemaman by-election three years ago. Judge Norma Ismail sentenced Razali, 59, after ruling that the prosecution had proven its case beyond reasonable doubt, and ordered him to serve a three-month jail term if he failed to pay the fine.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, on November 24, 2023, Razali, who is also former Bersatu information chief, was charged with uttering seditious words by alleging that a certain court decision was controlled by the government. The offence was allegedly committed at Padang Astaka Chukai, Kemaman, Terengganu, between 9.30 pm and 11.30 pm on November 10, 2023.

He was charged under Section 4(1)(b) of the Sedition Act 1948, which is punishable under Section 4(1) of the same Act, carry ing a fine of up to RM5,000, imprisonment for a maximum of three years, or both, upon conviction. Earlier, Deputy Public Prosecutor Izzat Amir Idham urged the court to impose a custodial sentence, arguing that the offence committed by Razali was serious in nature.

Izzat Amir stated that a firm, proportionate, and effective sentence be imposed on the accused, arguing that a fine alone would be inadequate as it does not reflect the gravity of the offence. He emphasized that Razali, being a person of high standing and influence, could easily bear the fine without it serving as a real deterrent.

Meanwhile, lawyer Awang Armadajaya Awang Mahmud, representing Razali, pleaded for his client to be spared a jail sentence, citing his contributions to national politics. He argued that the statement did not impact society in terms of national security or public order. He also highlighted that a prison sentence exceeding 12 months or a fine exceeding RM2,000 would result in Razali losing his eligibility as an assemblyman under Article 48 of the Federal Constitution, necessitating a by-election.

Awang Armadajaya added that public interest should be considered holistically, including the need to avoid unnecessary public expenditure. A total of four prosecution witnesses and four defence witnesses, including the accused, testified during the trial, which began in September 2025.