KUCHING, Oct 11: Seven members from Sarawak For Sarawakians (S4S) claimed trial at the Magistrate Court today to charges of disrespecting the Negaraku national anthem.
The seven S4S members pleaded not guilty before magistrate Zubaidah Sharkawi who fixed Nov 11 for pre-trial case management.
According to the charge sheet, the seven S4S members had on Sept 27 during a political function at a hotel here, had knowingly showed disrespect towards the national anthem in a public place.
Thus, committed an offence punishable under Section 8(3) of the National Anthem Act 1968 and to be read together with Section 34 of the Penal Code.
If found guilty, they shall be punished on conviction, be liable to a fine not exceeding RM100 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding one month.
They were represented by lawyer Arthur Lee.
S4S spokesperson Alex Leong, who is one of the seven being charged, had on Sept 30 explained that they were observing a silent protest against Malaya when they did not stand up when the national anthem was played during the start of the political function.
He added that the silent protest was also to show their disappointment towards the federal government for not being able to keep its promises after the 14th general election (GE14).— DayakDaily
