KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 8 — Sepang Umno division chief Datuk Noorazli Said was charged in the Magistrates’ Court here today with deliberately hurting the religious feelings of a Christian over remarks made at the Umno General Assembly last month.

Utusan Malaysia reported that Noorazli, 48, pleaded not guilty after the charge was read before Magistrate Nurul Izzah Hasan Basri.

He is accused of deliberately intending to hurt the religious feelings of complainant Xenia Lok Zou Chieh, 49, a Christian, through remarks concerning Catholic priests and nuns at Dewan Merdeka, World Trade Centre, at 11.20am on September 12.

The charge was brought under Section 298 of the Penal Code, which carries a maximum one-year jail term, a fine or both upon conviction.

Deputy public prosecutor Mohamad Fadhly Mohd Zamry proposed bail of RM15,000 with one Malaysian surety, while defence lawyer Datuk Hasnal Rezua Merican Habib Merican sought a lower amount of between RM4,000 and RM5,000.

Hasnal Rezua said the court should consider Noorazli’s intention as well as his willingness to make peace and apologise over the remarks.

The court subsequently allowed bail of RM6,000 with one surety and fixed November 18 for mention and the submission of documents.

Police said on September 17 that they had received 86 reports and recorded statements from 93 witnesses over the matter, while Noorazli had said three days earlier that he was prepared to apologise if his remarks caused misunderstanding or offence, maintaining that he had not intended to insult or ridicule any individual, belief or religion.