Prosecutors have filed sedition charges against another four opposition politicians and activists who urged Malaysians to protest what they insist was a fraud-tainted victory by the ruling coalition in recent national elections.
Prosecutors also charged a student activist with sedition last week. All five spoke at a political forum earlier this month and criticized the government.
Government critics say the charges are intended to deter rallies aimed at pressuring electoral authorities to investigate claims of irregularities in the May 5 polls. Prime Minister Najib Razak's administration has denied unfairly prosecuting the men, saying they flouted a decades-old law meant to preserve public stability.
The four pleaded not guilty to sedition Wednesday in a Kuala Lumpur district court. They face up to three years in prison if convicted.