Ex-GE14 independent candidate claims trial to making offensive contents on PM, Umno

KUALA LUMPUR - Former Tanjong Papat, Sabah independent assemblyman candidate for the 14th General Election (GE14) has pleaded not guilty at the Sessions Court, here, to making offensive contents against Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob and Umno through TikTok, last week.

Political analyst Jufazli Shi Ahmad, 33, as the person being summoned (OKS) entered the plea on four counts after the charges were read to him before Judge Nor Hasniah Ab Razak, today.

On the first and second counts, he was alleged to have made and initiated the transmission of offensive communications by uploading two videos with intention to annoy others through TikTok under the name 'King Maker' as well as on 'King Maker Politik' YouTube at about 3pm, on June 23 and 27.

The videos were read and seen at the the Dang Wangi District Police Headquarters (IPD) Criminal Investigation Department, here, on June 24 and July 1.

The charges under Section 233(1)(a) of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 carries a fine of up to RM50,000 or up to one year imprisonment or both and could also be fined RM1,000 for each day the offence is continued after conviction.

For the other two charges, Jufazli was accused of failing to provide the password to the TikTok and YouTube accounts to the police.

The offences were allegedly committed at the same place at about 12.10pm and 3pm on July 5.

The charges framed under Section 242 of the same act carries a fine not exceeding RM100,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years or both, if convicted.

Deputy public prosecutors Nor Azizah Aling Nadia Mohd Izhar prosecuted while the OKS was represented by lawyer Rajsurian Pillai.

During the proceedings, Nor Azizah offerred Jufazli RM10,000 bail for each charge, considering that the case was of public interest.

"We are also applying for an order to prevent the OKS from making a statement or comment regarding the case either through social media or in print until the disposal of the case," she said.

However, Rajsurian pleaded for a lower bail saying that his client did not have a stable income.

"He is also facing a similar case in the Sepang Sessions Court and it is still ongoing since two years ago," he said.

Nor Hasniah then allowed the OKS RM14,000 bail for all the charges with additional conditions set by the prosecution.

The court set Aug 29 for mention.