Deputy public prosecutor Raja Rozela Raja Toran brought this matter to the attention of trial judge Collin Lawrence Sequerah after a short recess this morning.

“A member of the public retaliated when a policeman asked him not to ‘play’ with his mobile phone. He called the cop ‘stupid’,” Raja Rozela said.

She said the individual also remarked that “the law was unfair”, and added that such behaviour should not be tolerated.

Sequerah asked if the person was still in court.

Lokman, who was in the public gallery, stood up and said he was “typing” on his mobile phone.

“I am issuing you a show cause (letter),” said Sequerah. “Do you wish to engage a lawyer on why you should not be cited for contempt?”

Lawyer Ahmad Zahidi Zainal, who is appearing for Zahid, then spoke “as a friend of the court”. He said Lokman should be given time to engage a lawyer to represent him, “maybe next week when this trial is being held”.

Sequerah then asked Raja Rozela whether the prosecution wanted to handle this matter since it happened in the courtroom.

“Action should be taken immediately and this can be dealt with this afternoon,” the DPP replied.

Lokman told Sequerah he will engage a lawyer to represent him.

Sequerah said the show cause letter will be officially issued on Monday, and Lokman has to be present.

“This court views the alleged misconduct very seriously,” he said.

Zahid, who is also the Umno president, is standing trial on 12 charges of criminal breach of trust, eight charges of corruption and 27 charges of money laundering involving millions of ringgit.

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