For calling the inspector-general of police a “ruthless” Nazi general, a project manager was charged under the Penal Code today, The Star Online reported.
Wong Hoi Cheng, 43, a project manager, had used his Twitter account to call Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar “Henrich Himmler of Malaysia”.
He had also tweeted “bastardization of @PDRMsia”, referring to the Twitter handle of the police force.
The Star Online cited the charge sheet, which said Wong’s tweet was an offence under Section 504, which could “incite anger and disturb the peace”.
Wong claimed trial to the charge and also an alternate charge under Section 233(1)(a) of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, The Star Online reported.
If found guilty under the Penal Code, Wong could be jailed for up to two years and be fined.
Under the Communications and Multimedia Act, he could be sentenced up to one year's jail plus a fine.
He was charged with posting those tweets while at McDonalds in MidValley Megamall on August 31.
The portal reported that bail was initially proposed at RM7,000 but Wong would be released on bail at RM4,000 after his counsel Arafas Abdul Razak pleaded for lower bail.
Judge Abdul Rashid Daud also fixed October 27 for the case mention.
On August 31, Khalid instructed that investigations be opened against social media users who had posted abusive remarks against him on Twitter.
Such remarks began to flood social media after police rounded up Penang voluntary patrol squad members (PPS).
Khalid began singling out Twitter users who posted offensive tweets against him, including Wong’s.
He responded to Wong by tweeting: "PCIRC @PDRMsia, juga dikesan seorg lagi yg biadap ini untuk di ambil tindakan." (Another rude person has been detected for action to be taken.)
Wong then tweeted an apology on September 1, retracting what he had said and apologising to all members of the police force.
But Khalid replied form his handle @KBAB51: "Tiada Maaf lagi kpd sesiapa jua yg menyalahgunakan rangkai media utk menghina/mengutuk dan menghasut. Tunggu tindakan @PDRMsia". (There is no forgiveness for anyone who misuses the media to insult and incite. Await action from @PDRMsia). – September 15, 2014.