Anwar files bid to strike out PAA charge

Opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim has today filed an application through his lawyer Karpal Singh for the striking out of his Peaceful Assembly Act (PAA) charge to be heard at the Kuala Lumpur High Court.

Karpal wanted the hearing to be done at the High Court as it involves a question of the constitutionality of Section 4(1) (c) of the PAA with regard to Article 10 (1) of the federal constitution regarding the right to assemble freely.

Karpal indicated at the Sessions Court that as it involves a constitutional matter and matters of interpretation, the application is best heard before the High Court as the Sessions Court has no jurisdiction.

The prosecution team led by newly-appointed head of prosecution Abdul Wahab Mohamad indicated before Sessions Judge Mahmud Abdullah that they will object to Anwar’s application.

Abdul Wahab is assisted by DPPs Mohd Hanafiah Zakaria and Ishak Mohd Yusof.

Following this recent development, Mahmud fixed Sept 13 for the hearing of the prosecution’s objection to transfer the case.

[More to follow]