Rais Yatim pleads not guilty to sedition charges

Sedition Act 1948 Negeri Sembilan royal crisis Tan Sri Rais Yatim Ayer Keroh Sessions Court customary law dispute

Former Senate President and Parti Wawasan Negara Chairman, Tan Sri Dr. Rais Yatim, pleaded not guilty at the Ayer Keroh Sessions Court to charges of sedition under the Sedition Act 1948. The 84-year-old former Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar is accused of making seditious remarks during an event at a hotel in Alor Gajah, Melaka, on June 5.

The prosecution alleges that Rais made statements regarding the Negeri Sembilan royal succession, specifically expressing wishes for Tunku Nadzaruddin as the 12th Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan and calling for loyalty to him based on state laws and customs. This follows a dispute regarding the legitimacy of the royal proclamation, which the Negeri Sembilan palace has declared invalid.

Judge Raja Noor Adilla Raja Mahyaldin granted bail of RM8,000 with one surety. Rais was represented by a legal team including his son, Danni Rais. If convicted, the accused faces a fine of up to RM5,000, imprisonment for up to three years, or both. The court has scheduled October 27 as the next mention date.