PETALING JAYA, 17 May: Seri Setia Assemblyman, Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad pleaded not guilty at the Sessions Court on organising the Black 505 large-scale assembly at Kelana Jaya on 8 May.
Nik Nazmi was prosecuted for failing to inform the police regarding the said assembly 10 days before the assembly took place at the Petaling Jaya City Council Stadium in Kelana Jaya.
He was charged under Section 9(1) of the Peaceful Assembly Act 2013 and if convicted, he could be fined up to RM10,000.
If found guilty with a fine more than RM2,000, Nik Nazmi will be disqualified as an Assemblyman.
The prosecution was by the Deputy Public Prosecutor, Wan Shaharuddin Wan Ladin while the advocate, Eric Paulsen represents Nik Nazmi.
Judge, Datin Rohaya Ayob fixed 4 June for mention of the case.
Nik Nazmi was released without bail after Rohaya set that bail will only be imposed if he tried to avoid from attending the mention of the case.
Outside the court, Nik Nazmi said that the case is a poor start for Prime Minister, Datuk Seri najib Razak, the Home Minister, Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and the new Inspector General of Police, Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar.
“I am of the opinion that this is a politically motivated move and a waste of police resources which should be used to concentrate on fighting crime.
“I also feel that this action is against the ‘National Reconciliation’ agenda which is being touted by the Prime Minister,” he said.
Meanwhile, Eric said that the case is clearly an act of provocation against Pakatan Rakyat as the opposition.
“We see that Section 9(1) of the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012 as being abused. Even Myanmar has a five-day notification period but in Malaysia, it is up to 10 days.
“We believe that this is a start, where hereafter, more Pakatan Rakyat leaders will be charged in connection with the organising of the assembly,” he said.
The Black 505 assembly which was held at the Kelana Jaya Stadium was attended by almost 50,000 Pakatan Rakyat supporters to protest against the 13th General Election (GE-13) results.
