Umno Youth chief’s challenge to prosecution over Facebook post set for June 16 hearing

KUALA LUMPUR, June 12 — Umno Youth chief Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh has filed a judicial review application challenging the Attorney General’s decision to prosecute him over a Facebook post allegedly capable of causing public fear.

The application was filed at the High Court Penang on February 27 and is scheduled for hearing on June 16, according to his lawyers Messrs Aizat Izuan Shakeel, Harian Metro reported yesterday.

In a statement, the firm said the case goes beyond Akmal’s personal circumstances and raises broader constitutional and systemic issues.

“This application is not merely about one individual, but about the principle that justice must not only be done, but must be seen to be done fairly for all Malaysians without exception,” the lawyers were quoted as saying.

The legal team said the application raises questions over alleged selective prosecution, inconsistent treatment in similar cases, and whether the charge complies with Article 8 of the Federal Constitution on equality before the law.

They also argued that freedom of speech, while protected under the Constitution, must still operate within legal limits.

“Such perceptions, if left unaddressed, could erode public confidence in the principles of justice that underpin the nation’s legal system,” they said, referring to concerns over inconsistent enforcement.

Dr Akmal’s lawyers said he would continue to respect the judicial process and leave it to the court to decide on the issues raised.

The Merlimau assemblyman was charged at the Magistrates’ Court in Bukit Mertajam on August 22 last year over a Facebook post dated August 11 that was alleged to have caused public alarm.

He pleaded not guilty under Section 505(b) of the Penal Code, which provides for a maximum penalty of two years’ jail, a fine, or both upon conviction.