KL teacher faces sedition charges

Fri, 10 Aug 2001 | Source: REUTERS

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.

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