They are seeking for the court to order the two to be released on bail and other reliefs deemed fit by the court.
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“Datuk Khairuddin and myself were said to have attempted to commit sabotage because I accompanied him as his lawyer to lodge police reports in London, France, Hong Kong, Singapore and lodged sealed documents with the attorney-general’s office in Switzerland”, Chang said today, referring to the reports made against the controversial 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB).
Khalid reiterated that Khairuddin and Chang were rightfully investigated and charged, despite Mahathir saying that the use of the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 or Sosma was an abuse of power by Prime Minister Najib Razak. The prosecution needs time.
They said Malaysia was the first country in the world to charge its own citizens of sabotage, adding that people around the globe would be questioning the allegations made against the duo. “We are only applying an existing provision”, he said.
On September 23, Khairuddin was arrested again in Jalan Duta Court Complex under Sosma on charges of attempting to carry out activities that could sabotage the country.
“Part 6 provides for offences against the state Chang and Khairuddin’s charge of sabotage falls under Part 6 and therefore the authorities can invoke Sosma and invoke it against the suspects”, said Syahredzan.
Their lawyer told waiting pressmen the court registrar had informed them that the High Court judge declined to review the application. “But today he is being charged”, he said.
Both the men – clad in their orange lockup uniforms – were defiant as they were brought into a magistrate’s court to be charged where they were applauded by family members and supporters. Chang was represented by counsel Zainur Zakaria.
Khairuddin and Chang are being held at the Sungai Buloh prison. Also present was Umie Aida’s sister, actress Betty Ahmad.
Meanwhile, Khairuddin withdrew his “habeas corpus” (illegal detention) application at the High Court, today.
Pokok Sena MP Mahfuz Omar, who directed his criticism at Apandi, said that while Khairuddin and Chang were indeed not charged under Sosma – which is impossible as it is a procedural law – Sosma was still applied on them as it is read together with their charge under Section 124L of the Penal Code.
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The “habeas corpus” application was filed to challenge detention under Sosma.
