IPOH, Jan 12 — Hearing of preliminary objections in the defamation case of former Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin against Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak has been fixed for tomorrow.

Sessions Court Judge Madihah Harullah set the date today after hearing submissions by counsel Datuk Mohd Yusof Zainal Abiden and deputy public prosecutor Mohd Masri Daud.

The judge had on October 28, last year, set five days for trial beginning today.

Mohammad Nizar, 57, allegedly defamed the prime minister in a public speech at Taman Desa Pakatan here, between 9 pm and 12 am on April 23, 2012.

The accused, who is also Perak PAS deputy commissioner faces Section 500 of the Penal Code, which carries a maximum jail term of two years or a fine, or both, upon conviction.

He is defended by 13 lawyers led by Yusof, while the prosecution is represented by Mohd Masri, who is also Perak Prosecution Unit chief, and deputy public prosecutor Fadhli Ab Wahab. — Bernama