GEORGE TOWN, Sept 9 ― Controversial independent candidate for Bukit Gelugor by-election, Abu Backer Sidek Mohammad Zan, was charged with intentional insult over racial remarks he allegedly made ahead of campaigning in May.
The lawyer, who entered the public’s eye after throwing himself in front of the Penang chief minister’s car ahead of the poll in May, claimed trial to the charge at a sessions court here this morning.
He was charged with uttering the insulting words with intention to provoke a breach of the peace under Section 504 of the Penal Code.
Abu Backer, 46, allegedly tried to insult D. Alappah by uttering the words “India pariah, Melayu bangsat dan Cina... saya pernah dengar perkataan Cina apa tapi sudah lupa” with intent to provoke a breach of the peace.
He is accused of saying those words at the porch of Dewan Sri Pinang at about 10.20am on May 12 during the Bukit Gelugor by-election nomination day.
The charge carries a jail sentence of not more than two years or fine or both upon conviction.
Judge Zulhazmi Abdullah allowed bail at RM2,000 in one surety and fixed October 16 for mention of the case.
Abu Backer was in a four-way fight with Parti Cinta Malaysia Huan Cheng Guan, DAP's Ramkarpal Singh Deo and another independent candidate Mohd Nabi Bux Mohd Sathar.
The Bukit Gelugor parliamentary seat was vacated after the late MP Karpal Singh was killed in a car crash in April.
Ramkarpal, who is Karpal's third son, won the Bukit Gelugor parliamentary seat by garnering a 37,659 vote majority.
