KL teacher faces sedition charges

KL teacher faces sedition charges

KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters): A Malaysian teacher has been charged
with sedition for a test question asking his students to discuss
the justice system, local media reported on Thursday.

Shamsukamal Abu Bakar, 33, pleaded not guilty after appearing
in court in the northern state of Terengganu on Wednesday.
He was released on bail, to reappear for trial on Oct. 1.

Shamsukamal faces a three-year jail term and a fine of 5,000
ringgit (US$1,316) if found guilty. He was said to have set the
allegedly seditious question in a language test for 14- and 15-
year olds.

The charges state that the question had potential to spread
hatred against the government and judiciary.

Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad has long complained that
teachers who are sympathetic to the opposition are poisoning
young minds.