Kedah Exco Charged Over University Admission Statements

Kedah State Executive Councilor Dr. Haim Hilman Abdullah, 53, has been charged with making statements intended to cause public anxiety regarding university admissions. He appeared before Magistrate Nurul Saqinah Rosli and pleaded not guilty to the accusation.

The charge stems from statements allegedly made at the Seremban PAS headquarters between 8 p.m. and 12 a.m. on June 13. The prosecution, led by state deputy public prosecutor Ku Hayati Ku Haron, proposed bail of RM10,000 with the condition that Dr. Haim Hilman surrender his passport. The defense team, headed by lawyer Mohd. Faizi Che Abu, requested a lower bail of RM5,000, deeming it more reasonable. They also objected to the passport surrender, citing his official duties as a state executive councilor.

The court granted bail at RM5,000 with one surety, without additional conditions. The case is set for mention on July 30 for document submission. The Ministry of Higher Education (KPT) had previously announced on June 15 that it was reviewing legal actions against Dr. Haim Hilman concerning his remarks on public university admission systems.

These statements were reportedly made during a public talk on June 13. The KPT deemed the accusations serious, stating they could damage the reputation and credibility of Malaysia's higher education system. The case is being prosecuted under Section 505(b) of the Penal Code, which carries a penalty of up to two years in prison or a fine, or both.