MELAKA: Four individuals claimed trial at the Sessions Court here for uploading offensive and insulting posts against Yang di-Pertua Negeri Melaka Tun Dr Mohd Ali Mohd Rustam on their Twitter accounts.
The pleas of all four of the accused – Ahmad Zaki Yamani Zainon, 45, Muhamad Ali Aswad Asngadu, 28, Mohd Hermy Rahim, 34, and Mohd Hafizuddin Rahmad, 36 – were recorded before Judge Maziah Joary Mohd Tajudin on Tuesday (Aug 17).
Based on the charge sheet, the four had allegedly uploaded the post and shared insulting comments on Dr Mohd Ali Rustam.
The offence was allegedly committed between July 28 and July 29 with the intention to hurt the feelings of others.
The four had allegedly committed the offence under Section 233(1)(a) of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, which carries a maximum fine of RM50,000 or one year’s jail or both.
Ahmad Zaki was represented by counsel Saiful Ambar Abdullah while the other three were represented by counsel P. Purshotaman who was appointed by Gerakan Guaman Rakyat.
The court later granted bail of RM5,000 for each of the accused and fixed Sept 22 as the re-mention date.
All four were also instructed to report to the nearest police station every month until the end of their court proceedings.
It was reported that several individuals were investigated for sedition over comments on social media regarding the July 28 visit by Dr Mohd Ali to the house where Philippine Olympic gold medallist Hidilyn Diaz trained at a “village gymnasium” in Kesang Tua at Jasin here.
