KUALA LUMPUR: Blogger Wan Muhammad Azri Wan Deris, also known as Papagomo, has been fined RM4,000 for making seditious statements that incited hatred against His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia.
Sessions Court judge Norma Ismail passed the sentence on Monday (March 30) after finding that the accused had failed to raise reasonable doubt against the prosecution case.
She also ordered the accused to serve four months in jail if he fails to pay the fine.
Earlier, deputy public prosecutor Sabri Othman told the court to mete out a deterrent sentence to serve as a lesson for the public.
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He said the accused, who was a former policeman, had insulted the Yang di-Pertuan Agong using harsh words.
"A fine would not suffice as this was a serious offence involving the King," DPP Sabri said.
Lawyer Muhammad Rafique Rashid Ali, who represented Wan Azri, asked the court for a lenient sentence as his client has five children to support, including an autistic child.
Rafique said this was Wan Azri's first offence involving sedition.
"He has given his cooperation in this case," the lawyer said.
On May 2, 2024, Wan Azri claimed trial to posting a seditious publication on his X account over Sultan Ibrahim’s audience with the owner of KK Supermart & Superstore Sdn Bhd.
He was charged under Section 4(1)(c) of the Sedition Act 1948, which carries a maximum fine of RM5,000 or imprisonment not exceeding three years or both, if convicted.
He was ordered to enter his defence on Sept 24 last year.
Seven prosecution witnesses took the stand while Wan Azri was the sole defence witness in the trial.
