KUALA LUMPUR: The High Court today ordered dancer Bilqis Hijjas to enter her defence for her ‘insulting behaviour’ charge at a function attended by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak and his wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor.
Justice Datuk Mohd Sofian Abd Razak meted out the sentence after he reversed the magistrate’s court decision which acquitted and discharged her from the charge on July 1, last year.
In his judgement, Mohd Sofian said the prosecution had proven a prima facie case against Bilqis.
“We found out that the magistrate’s court had erred in making the decision,” he said.
Meanwhile, counsel Erick Paulsen who represented Bilqis when met outside the courtroom said they would call one witness.
“Of course my client is sad with the decision by the High Court. However, she will not plead guilty and will testify soon,” he said.
On Sept 23 last year, Bilqis, the daughter of famed architect Hijjas Kasturi, claimed trial to the charge of acting in an insulting manner with intent to provoke breach of the peace that could cause disturbance to public order.
She was allegedly committed the offence at the 5th floor of the Pavillion shopping mall in Jalan Bukit Bintang on Aug 31, 2015.
The offence falls under Section 14 of the Minor Offences Act 1955 which carries a fine of up to RM100 upon conviction.
It was reported that Bilqis was accused of dropping seven yellow balloons which Bersih 4-themed words at an event on that day, which was attended by Najib and Rosmah.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Nabilah Ahmad Po’ad prosecuted.