Lecturer accused of defamation

Video coverage on Ahmad Shaharil Jamaludin: RealVideo | Media Player 

PENANG: A college lecturer, reportedly the president of Sharifah Aini’s fan club, was charged in a magistrate’s court here with three counts of defaming popular singer Siti Nurhaliza Tarudin by sending hate e-mail to three entertainment journalists. 

Ahmad Shaharil Jamaludin, 36, a Bayan Baru Community College English lecturer, claimed trial to defaming Siti Nurhaliza, 25, by spreading certain allegations about her that could damage her reputation. 

He was charged with circulating the e-mail to Ku Seman Ku Hussain of Mingguan Malaysia at 3.01am on Aug 16; to Abdullah Mamat of Harian Metro at 11.46pm on Aug 22; and to Faridul Anwar Farinordin of New Straits Times at 5.25pm on Aug 24. 

Ahmad Shaharil is alleged to have committed the first offence at his house in Jalan Ismail Che Mat in Datuk Keramat here and the next two offences at the college located within the premises of SM Teknik Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra in Jalan Ibbetson, Air Itam. 

The offence under Section 500 of the Penal Code carries a jail term of up to two years or a fine or both upon conviction. 

Prosecuting officer Asst Supt Rantai a/k Giling suggested that bail be set at RM5,000 per charge but defence counsel Danny C. Navarednam said Ahmad Shaharil had a permanent address here and was not likely to abscond.  

He added that his client had been released on police bail at RM3,000 after his arrest on Sept 26. 

Magistrate Priscilla H.N. Rajan set bail at RM5,000 in one surety and fixed Jan 26 as the next mention date for the case.  

Related Stories:Sharifah Aini pleads not guilty Diva catches crowd’s attention Diehard fans turn up to show support