THE Kuala Lumpur sessions court handed down a RM1,900 fine, in lieu of six months’ jail, to an activist for making and initiating the transmission of a video that linked foreigners with criminal activities at a wholesale market in Selayang two years ago.

Judge M. M. Edwin Paramjothy meted out the sentence on Mustapa Mansor Amer Mohd Isa, 60, after the latter pleaded guilty.

Mustapa Mansor was charged with making and initiating insulting communication with the intention of hurting others through a video titled Isu Semasa: Siapakah Pengkhianat Negara Kita? (Siri 18) on YouTube on April 26, 2020.

He was charged under section 233(1)(a) of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1988, which provides for a maximum fine of RM50,000 or an imprisonment of up to one year, or both, upon conviction, and an additional fine of RM1,000 for each day the offence is continued after conviction.

Mustapa Mansor’s lawyer, C. Jadadish, requested for his client to be sent to jail, saying that this is his first offence and he has eight children, aged between 19 and 36.

“My client has promised he will not repeat the same mistake and will be careful when recording a video in future.” – Bernama, January 25, 2022.