Video news portal KiniTV was charged in the Magistrate's Court here today with two counts of making offensive remarks against Attorney-General Tan Sri Mohamed Apandi Ali through videos by former Batu Kawan UMNO vice-leader Datuk Seri Khairuddin Abu Hassan last July.
KiniTV, represented by its director, Steven Gan Diong Keng, 54, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges before judge Zaman Mohd Noor.
KiniTV Sdn Bhd was charged with making and initiating the transmission of offensive comments with intention to annoy another person through two video versions, with the titles "Khairuddin: Apandi Ali tidak layak jadi AG, wajar segera letak jawatan" and "Khairuddin: Apandi Ali not fit to be AG, he should quit immediately".
The videos were watched at 10 am on Aug 2 this year at the Attorney-General's Chambers, Persiaran Perdana, Precinct 4, Putrajaya.
KiniTV, which is a subsidiary of Malaysiakini was alleged to have transmitted the two video using the link application at http//www.kinitv.com/video/36070308 and http//www.kinitv.com/video/36708074 at 1.14 pm and 1.34 pm, respectively, last July 27.
The charges were made under Section 233 (1)(a) of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 for improper use of network facilities for communications that are deemed offensive, false or obscene, among others.
The offence is punishable with a fine not exceeding RM50,000, or by imprisonment not exceeding one year, or both. An additional fine of RM1,000 per day is also imposed for each day the offence is continued upon conviction.
Meanwhile, Gan, as director of KiniTV, also pleaded not guilty to two similar charges.
The charges were made under Section 244 (1) of the same law, which carries the same penalty upon conviction.
Section 244(1) holds directors and other senior officers of a company liable for offences committed by the company that is punishable under the law.
The court set bail at RM8,000 and fixed Jan 3 next year for mention.
Deputy public prosecutor Mohd Sophian Zakaria prosecuted, while KiniTV and Gan were represented by lawyer Fahri Azzat. -- Bernama
Bernama
Fri Nov 18 2016
If convicted, Malaysiakini and Steven Gan (pix) stand to face a maximum fine of RM50,000 or a one-year jail term. - Filepic / mumbrella.asia
COP29 climate summit draft proposes rich countries pay $250 billion per year
The draft finance deal criticised by both developed and developing nations.
Bomb squad sent to London's Gatwick Airport after terminal evacuation
This was following the discovery of a suspected prohibited item in luggage.
Kelantan urges caution amidst northeast monsoon rains
Kelantan has reminded the public in the state to refrain from outdoor activities with the arrival of the Northeast Monsoon season.
Former New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern receives UN leadership award
Former New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern was given a global leadership award by the United Nations Foundation.
ICC'S arrest warrants for Netanyahu, Gallant an apt decision - PM
The decision of the ICC to issue arrest warrants against Benjamin Netanyahu and Yoav Gallant is apt, said Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
KTMB provides two additional ETS trains for Christmas, school holidays
KTMB will provide two additional ETS trains for the KL Sentral-Padang Besar route and return trips in conjunction with the holidays.
BNM'S international reserves rise to USD118 bil as at Nov 15, 2024
Malaysia's international reserves rose to US$118.0 billion as at Nov 15, 2024, up from US$117.6 billion on Oct 30, 2024.
Findings by dark energy researchers back Einstein's conception of gravity
The findings announced are part of a years-long study of the history of the cosmos focusing upon dark energy.
NRES responds to Rimbawatch press release on COP29
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES) wishes to offer the following clarifications to the issues raised.
Online Safety Bill and Anti-Cyberbullying Laws must carefully balance rights and protections
The Online Safety Advocacy Group (OSAG) stands united with people in Malaysia in the fight against serious online harms.
Malaysia's inflation at 1.9 pct in Oct 2024 - DOSM
Malaysia's inflation rate for October 2024 has increased to 1.9 per cent, up from 1.8 per cent in September this year.
Saudi Arabia showcases Vision 2030 goals at Airshow China 2024
For the first time, Saudi Arabia is participating in the China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition held recently in Zhuhai.
King Charles' coronation cost GBP 71mil, govt accounts show
The coronation of Britain's King Charles cost taxpayers GBP72 million (US$90 million), official accounts have revealed.
Couple and associate charged with trafficking 51.9 kg of meth
A married couple and a man were charged in the Magistrate's Court here today with trafficking 51.974 kilogrammes of Methamphetamine.
PDRM to consult AGC in completing Teoh Beng Hock investigation
The police may seek new testimony from existing witnesses for additional insights into the investigation of Teoh Beng Hock's death.
Thai court rejects petition over ex-PM Thaksin's political influence
Thailand's Constitutional Court rejects a petition seeking to stop Thaksin Shinawatra from interfering in the running the Pheu Thai party.
Abidin takes oath of office as Sungai Bakap assemblyman
The State Assemblyman for Sungai Bakap, Abidin Ismail, was sworn in today at the State Assembly building, Lebuh Light.
UPNM cadet officer charged with injuring junior, stomping on him with spike boots
A cadet officer at UPNM pleaded not guilty to a charge of injuring his junior by stomping on the victim's stomach with spike boots.
How Indian billionaire Gautam Adani's alleged bribery scheme took off and unraveled
The indictment was unsealed on Nov. 20, prompting a $27 billion plunge in Adani Group companies' market value.
Elon Musk blasts Australia's planned ban on social media for children
Several countries have already vowed to curb social media use by children through legislation, but Australia's policy could become one of the most stringent.