FORMER Dewan Negara president Tan Sri Rais Yatim was charged with sedition today over remarks he allegedly made following the purported proclamation of Tunku Nadzaruddin Tuanku Jaafar as the 12th Yang Dipertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan in June.
Rais, 84, pleaded not guilty when the charge was read before Ayer Keroh Sessions Court judge Raja Noor Adilla Raja Mahyaldin.
The former Negeri Sembilan menteri besar is accused of uttering seditious words during a press conference at a hotel in Simpang Ampat, Alor Gajah, at about 1 pm on June 5.
The charge was brought under Section 4(1)(b) of the Sedition Act 1948, which provides for a fine of up to RM5,000, imprisonment for up to three years, or both upon conviction.
According to the charge, Rais allegedly made statements expressing support for Tunku Nadzaruddin as the 12th Yang Dipertuan Besar, including a call for people to pledge their allegiance to him.
The charge cited, among others, the words: “Mendoakan selamat kepada Tunku Nadzaruddin sebagai Yang Dipertuan Besar Negeri Sembilan ke-12. Jadi, selepas ini, bebaslah, Yang Duli Yang Maha Mulia Tuanku Nadzaruddin sebagai Yang Dipertuan Besar ke-12, melakukan apa-apa sahaja hal kedirajaan.”
He was also alleged to have said: “Dan seruan kami ialah tumpukanlah taat setia kepadanya, oleh kerana kita mengikut lunas undang-undang dan juga lunas adat yang ada di Negeri Sembilan.”
Deputy public prosecutors Shahrizat Ismail, Nor Azizah Aling and Nadia Mohd Izhar proposed bail of RM10,000 with one surety.
Rais, represented by a five-member legal team led by his son Danni Rais, sought a reduction, saying he had cooperated with the authorities despite being informed of the charge only at about 10.30 pm last night.
Raja Noor Adilla subsequently granted bail at RM8,000 with one surety.
The court fixed October 27 for mention. – September 25, 2026
