The 19-year-old teen was fined RM5,000 for insulting the Sultan of Perak Sultan Nazrin Shah on social media. Pic by MUHAIZAN YAHYA.
IPOH: A Form Six student was ordered to read out the “Rukun Negara” (National Principles) in the magistrate’s court here on Thursday, before being meted out a fine of RM5,000, in default of three months’ jail, for insulting the Sultan of Perak Sultan Nazrin Shah on social media last week.
Magistrate Siti Hafiza Jaafar ordered the accused to read out the Rukun Negara, and place emphasis on the fifth principle, which is on good behaviour and morality.
“The offence (insulting the Sultan) is liable to imprisonment, but you are still schooling, and as a lesson to you and others, a punitive punishment should be given,” she said before handing down the sentence.
The 19-year-old, who will sit for the Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM) next month, pleaded guilty to improper use of network facilities by transmitting offensive comments on the Sultan through Twitter, with the intention of annoying others.
The offence was committed at Bandar Baru Medan Ipoh at 10.30pm on Oct 13.
The charge was made under Section 233(1)(A) of the Communications and Multimedia Act, which provides for a maximum fine of RM50,000, or an imprisonment of up to a year, or both, upon conviction.
A lawyer from the National Legal Aid Foundation, Awatif Ahmad Bashir, who represented the student, said his client was remorseful and apologised for his actions.
Deputy public prosecutor Irna Julieza Maaras prosecuted. -- BERNAMA
