Ustaz faces two charges of insulting Agong at Ipoh court

IPOH: A religious teacher, known as ustaz, faced two charges at the Sessions Court in Ipoh for allegedly insulting the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah. The accused, Ab Malik Hussain, 62, from Kota Baru, Kelantan, pleaded not guilty to both charges under Section 233(1)(a) of the Communications and Multimedia Act. The proceedings took place before Judge Azizah Ahmad on Tuesday (July 11).

According to the charges, Ab Malik insulted the Yang di-Pertuan Agong in a chat group on the popular messaging app, WhatsApp. The offensive messages were sent on November 22 at around 8.20pm and 8.23pm. The incident was reported to have taken place at Batu 10 Kampung Pulau Padang Bota Kiri in Perak Tengah at 8.30pm on the same day. These actions were deemed as potentially causing distress and hurting the feelings of others.

Such a offense is punishable under Section 233(3) of the same act, and anyone found guilty could face a maximum fine of up to RM50,000, imprisonment of one year, or both. Additionally, a daily fine of RM1,000 may be imposed until the offense ceases after conviction.

During the hearing, Deputy Public Prosecutor Saiful Akmal Mod Said recommended a bail of RM10,000 for each charge. Representing Ab Malik, Mohamad Khazali Yin highlighted that his client was the sole provider for his family. Ab Malik’s family includes his 58-year-old wife, who is unemployed, and their two children aged 13 and 10.

Khazali stated that Ab Malik had an offer to deliver religious lectures (ceramah) four to five times a month, earning approximately RM200 per session. He requested the court to set the bail amount at a minimum of RM3,000 per charge or RM6,000 collectively, expressing his client’s financial constraints.

Taking into account the arguments presented, Judge Azizah set the bail at RM3,500 for each charge, requiring one surety. The next court mention is scheduled for August 14.