Lokman Adam's trial for offensive communications against Ismail Sabri, government to start on Oct 9

KUALA LUMPUR - The trial of Umno Supreme Council member Datuk Lokman Noor Adam, who is facing two charges of making and initiating offensive communications against Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob and the government, will start on Oct 9 at the Sessions Court here.

Sessions Court judge N. Priscilla Hemamalini set 10 days, on Oct 9, 10, 11, 23 and 24, as well as Nov 21, 22, 27, 28 and 29, for the hearing after Kuala Lumpur prosecution director Datin Kalmizah Salleh informed the court that the prosecution had received instructions from the Attorney General's Chamber (AGC) for the case to continue with a trial.

Kalmizah was assisted by deputy public prosecutor Nurilya Ellyna Nor Azmal in the case which came up for mention today.

Lokman was in court today and he was represented by lawyer Logen Eskander.

Last May 29, Kalmizah informed the court that the AGC was still studying the representation submittted by Lokman.

Lokman was charged with making and initiating the transmission of the offensive communications against Ismail Sabri Yaakob, who was then the prime minister, and the government, on Sept 1 last year and had pleaded not guilty to both the charges.

The offences were allegedly made through the Facebook application using the profile name "Lokman Noor Adam Official” with the intention of annoying others.

The first charge involved a post against the then prime minister, which was allegedly committed at 11.16 pm on Aug 20 last year.

The post was read at 8.15 am on Aug 24, 2022, at Mutiara Villa Jalan Tung Shin, Bukit Bintang here.

For the second charge, which is against the government, Lokman was alleged to have committed the offence at 10.28 pm on Aug 22 last year and the post was read at 11.30 am the following day at a restaurant in Jalan Sentul here.

The charges, framed under Section 233(1)(a) of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 and punishable under Section 233 (3) of the same law, provides a maximum fine of RM50,000 or imprisonment for up to one year and can also be fined RM1,000 for each day the offence continues after conviction. - BERNAMA