FOUR individuals were charged at the Ayer Keroh Sessions Court today with posting insulting comments against the Yang di-Pertua Negeri of Malacca Mohd Ali Rustam last month.

Muhamad Ali Aswad Asngadu, 28; Mohd Hermy Rahim, 34;  Ahmad Zaki Yamani Zainon, 45; and Mohd Hafizuddin Rahmad, 36; claimed trial after the charges were read out separately before judge Maziah Joary Mohd Tajudin.

According to the charge sheet, all were accused of consciously making and initiating the transmission of offensive communications on Ali on their respective Twitter accounts on July 28, which were read around 1.07am at Ujong Pasir, Kg Atap on July 29.

All the accused, working as an engineer, a businessman, salesman and supervisor, respectively, were charged under Section 233(1)(a) of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.

The four accused could face a fine of not more than RM50,000 or imprisonment for not more than one year or both and shall also be liable for a further fine of RM1,000 for every day during which the offence is continued after conviction.

Deputy public prosecutor N. Sivasangari appeared for the prosecution, while Zaki was represented by Saiful Ambar Abdullah. The other three accused were represented by P. Purshotaman.

The court allowed the four accused bail of RM5,000 with one surety each and report to the nearest police station every month. They are also ordered not to disturb the witnesses throughout the trial.

The case is fixed for mention on September 22. – Bernama, August 17, 2021.