Haim Hilman Abdullah, Kedah assemblyman and state executive councillor, pleaded not guilty on June 25, 2026, at Seremban Magistrate's Court to a charge under Section 505(b) of the Penal Code for making statements likely to cause public alarm [1, 2, 3]. Bail was set at RM5,000 with one surety after defence counsel successfully argued against the prosecution's demand for RM10,000 bail and opposed passport surrender, citing interference with his official duties involving frequent travel [1, 2, 3].
The charge relates to remarks Haim Hilman allegedly made on June 13, 2026, between 8pm and midnight at the PAS Seremban headquarters along Jalan Jelebu. He claimed that public universities were selling admission places to wealthy individuals and allowing "backdoor" entry for tens of thousands of students, which denied deserving students entry. He estimated the number of students denied places due to these admissions practices at 30,000 [2, 3].
The Ministry of Higher Education responded to the allegations on June 15, stating it viewed the claims seriously and considered legal action [1, 3]. In court, Haim Hilman said he would cooperate with the legal process and defend his statements. He refused to retract his stance and said he was prepared to provide evidence for his claims [4, 5].
Haim Hilman had earlier said, "I will attend the Seremban Magistrates’ Court on June 25, 2026 at 9am to face charges related to higher education access issues that I raised in defence of the rights of Malaysian children, especially from B40 and M40 families. I will give full cooperation to the legal process and will continue speaking up until the truth is established and fair access to education for all Malaysian children, regardless of race, is upheld" [5].
The charge under Section 505(b) carries a maximum penalty of up to two years imprisonment, a fine, or both [1, 2, 3]. The next court mention is scheduled for July 30, 2026 [1, 2, 3].
