KOTA KINABALU: A housewife was slapped with a RM10,000 fine for her posting on Facebook linking children of prominent figures to Zara Qairina Mahathir's case.
Asmaziah Sedek, 32, pleaded guilty to the improper use of network facilities before Sessions Court judge Marlina Ibrahim on Thursday (Sept 11).
Marlina imposed a fine or two months' jail in default for the charge framed under Section 233(1)(a) of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.
According to the charge, Asmaziah falsely posted in Malay that accused children of prominent figures, implicating the state Governor, a Minister's child, a police officer's child, and a retired principal's child.
The state Governor's officer, Abdullah Hussin, lodged a police report after reading the posting, which he considered defamatory, unsupported by evidence, and aimed at damaging the good reputation of the TYT Sabah and the institution of the Istana Negeri Sabah.
During the appeal, the accused, who was not represented by a lawyer, requested that her sentence be commuted.
“I did not intend to incite any party. What I uploaded was merely an emotional expression as a mother.
“I appeal for the sentence to be commuted because I am just a housewife and have an eight-month-old baby who is still breastfeeding.
"I hope my sentence can be considered because I don't have enough money. I came here (to court) accompanied by my mother and baby. My husband just got a job in Tenom," she said.
Deputy Public Prosecutors DK Afiqah Alya AK Johari, and Nurul Shafeerah Mad Iskim led the prosecution.
Asmaziah was accused of making the posting on July 29 this year.
