Malaysian opposition politician Rafizi charged with criminal defamation, OSA offences

Malaysian politician Mohd Rafizi Ramli. PHOTO: THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK

KUALA LUMPUR (THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK) - A top opposition politician from Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) was charged on Friday (April 8) with criminal defamation and two offences under the Official Secrets Act 1972 (OSA).

Mohd Rafizi Ramli was accused of exposing Page 98 of the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) audit report without approval at the Parliament lobby on March 28.

He was also charged at the Sessions Court with possessing the 1MDB audit report without approval on March 24 at the same place.

The PKR vice-president claimed trial to the charges.

Sessions Judge Zulqarnain Hassan fixed bail at RM3,000 (S$1,036) pending mention on April 29.

Rafizi was later taken to another court before magistrate Mohd Rehan Mohd Aris to face a charge under Section 499 of the Penal Code for defamation.

He also pleaded not guilty to the charge of defaming pilgrimage agency Tabung Haji in his blog.

Magistrate Mohd Rehan set bail for the charge at RM1000, pending mention on April 29.

Rafizi was arrested outside Parliament gates on Tuesday.

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