The magistrate's court in Kuala Lumpur today fixed July 1 for the decision on the case of Bilqis Hijjas, who is charged with insulting behaviour by releasing yellow balloons at an event attended by the prime minister and his wife in August last year.

Magistrate Mohd Faizal Ismail set the date after hearing submissions from deputy public prosecutor Mohamad Fadhly Mohd Zambry and lawyer Eric Paulsen representing Bilqis, 37.

This day is set for the prosecution and defence submissions at the end of the prosecution case on Bilqis, who allegedly behaved in a way intended to provoke so that security may be interrupted.

"Cases like this are rare cases occurring under this section. In this regard, the court must examine the detailed submissions by both parties before sentencing," said Mohd Faizal.

On Sept 23 last year, Bilqis, a dancer (photo), was charged with the offence of throwing yellow balloons from Level 5 to the foyer of the Pavillion Shopping mall in Jalan Bukit Bintang at 3.15pm on Aug 31.

Daughter of the famous architect Hijjas Kasturi, she was charged under Section 14 of the Minor Offences Act 1955 and is liable to be fined up to RM100, if convicted.

The trial, which began on Feb 24 and ended on June 2, called eight prosecution witnesses.

Earlier, Mohamad Fadhly argued that the action by Bilqis in throwing yellow balloons from the fifth floor of a shopping complex in a ceremony attended by the prime minister and his wife had the intention to insult.

He said such actions can also threaten the country's security as based on the testimony of witnesses the prosecution clearly shows her intention to provoke.

"The balloons that were dropped by the accused were not usual balloons, the yellow balloons had a message and the accused also has extensive knowledge about Bersih 4 rallies held around Bukit Bintang a day before the event.

"The accused should not disseminate propaganda in the wrong place at an event attended by Najib Abdul Razak and his wife Rosmah Mansor and ambassadors from 24 countries," Mohamad Fadhly said.

"It is clear that the accused insulting behaviour in throwing the balloons also angered the public, especially the sixth prosecution witness, namely the event organiser.

Paulsen argued his client's actions did not involve any dangerous explosives, just balloons that contain air, so he requested that his client be released of the charge.

- Bernama