KUALA LUMPUR: A former prisoner who has been in and out of jail for insulting the Yang di-Pertuan Agong on social media, was jailed for a year and fined RM20,000, in default six months' jail, by the Sessions Court here today for the same offence.
Judge M.M Edwin Paramjothy meted out the sentence on Sharil Mohd Sarif, 38, after he changed his plea to guilty during the mention of the case today.
The court also ordered the accused to serve the jail term starting from the date he was arrested on Aug 24.
The accused was also fined RM1,000, in default three months' jail, for being a repeat offender.
During sentencing, Edwin said the accused had gone too far and his actions in insulting the King had violated the freedom of speech provided under the Federal Constitution.
"The accused is not remorseful at all, even though the court has given several opportunities, he repeatedly commits the same offence," said Edwin.
Sharil was charged with making and initiating the transmission of offensive communications against His Majesty with the intention to annoy others via Twitter using the profile name "Sharil bin Mohd Sarif" at 7.43 am on April 20, 2021.
The link was then read at the Cyber and Multimedia Crime Investigation Division Office, Bukit Aman Commercial Crime Investigation Department, Wangsa Maju, here, at 1.30 pm, on April 20.
He was charged with improperly using the network facilities under Section 233 (1) (a) of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, which provides a maximum fine of RM50,000 or imprisonment for up to one year or both while Section 233 (3) of the same Act also empowers the court to impose a further fine of RM1, 000 for subsequent offences.
Earlier during mitigation, the accused, who was unrepresented, appealed for the jail sentence to start from the date of his arrest on the grounds that he has three children who are still in school and his wife died in June.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Najihah Farhana Che Awang pressed for a deterrent sentence because the accused had two previous convictions for similar offences.
"The accused did not show remorse even though he had been imprisoned before for the same offence.
"The sentences that were handed down did not bring repentance to the accused. I ask for a heavier sentence as a lesson to the accused and the public," she said.
Previously, the accused had been sentenced to two months' jail in 2019 and 10 months' jail last year by the same court for similar offences.
-- BERNAMA
Bernama
Fri Sep 24 2021
A former prisoner who has been in and out of jail for insulting the Yang di-Pertuan Agong on social media was jailed for a year and fined RM20,000, in default six months' jail, by the Sessions Court here today for the same offence. - BERNAMA filepic
Who is Prabowo Subianto, incoming president of Indonesia?
A wealthy ex-general with ties to Indonesia's popular outgoing president and its dictatorial past, looks set to be its next leader.
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.