SEPANG: Former Bandar Tun Razak Umno division secretary Datuk Abd Zarin Mohd Yasin has pleaded not guilty in the Sessions Court here to a charge of making and transmitting a false social media post in November.
Zarin, 74, better known by his blogger name Sang Kelembai, entered the plea after the charge was read to him before judge Ahmad Fuad Othman on Friday (Feb 13).
According to the charge, the blogger, using a Facebook account under the name Zaharin Mohd Yasin, was accused of knowingly creating and posting a communication that was false in nature.
The alleged offence occurred at 4.42pm on Nov 9, and was viewed at approximately 9pm the same day at the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) Tower 1 in Cyberjaya.
He was charged under Section 233(1)(a) of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 (Act 588).
The offence is punishable with fine of up to RM500,000, up to two years' jail, or both upon conviction.
Additionally, a daily fine of RM5,000 will be imposed if the offence persists after conviction.
MCMC deputy public prosecutor Faten Hadni Khairuddin proposed bail of RM10,000 with one surety.
Zarin’s lawyer Sureshmurti Ramani requested a lower amount of RM7,000, citing that his client has no fixed income, supports two dependents, and suffers from chronic diabetes and high blood pressure.
After considering submissions from both sides, judge Ahmad Fuad allowed bail of RM8,000 with one surety and set April 1 for the next case mention. – Bernama
