IPOH: A 62-year-old ustaz has pleaded not guilty to two charges for insulting the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah. Ab Malik Hussain, who hails from Kota Baru, Kelantan, appeared in court in a white robe and denied the charges under Section 233(1)(a) of the Communications and Multimedia Act. The incident allegedly occurred on November 22 in a WhatsApp chat group where Ab Malik made derogatory remarks about the Yang di-Pertuan Agong. The charge carries a maximum penalty of RM50,000 fine or imprisonment for up to one year, or both. Additionally, a fine of RM1,000 per day may be imposed if the offense continues after conviction.
Ab Malik’s defense lawyer, Mohamad Khazali Yin, informed the court that his client is the sole breadwinner of his family. He explained that Ab Malik, who does not have a permanent income, earns approximately RM200 per religious ceramah session. He added that Ab Malik receives about four to five ceramah invitations per month. Considering the defendant’s financial situation and the fact that he traveled from Kelantan, Mohamad Khazali Yin requested the court to set the bail at a minimum of RM3,000 per charge or RM6,000 collectively.
Sessions Court judge Azizah Ahmad granted bail at RM3,500 for each charge with one surety. The next court mention is scheduled for August 14. Deputy public prosecutor Saiful Akmal Mod Said represented the prosecution in the case.
Credit: The Star : News Feed
