Man Jailed Three Months Over Offensive Facebook Post on PM

A man was sentenced to three months’ jail by the Sepang Sessions Court on Wednesday (Nov 11) after pleading guilty to publishing an offensive Facebook post directed at the Prime Minister in March, Bernama reported.

Judge Raja Shahril Anuar Raja Baniamin handed down the sentence to Mohamed Shazrin Jamil, 35, after he entered his guilty plea.

Offensive Facebook Post Charge

According to the charge, Mohamed Shazrin knowingly created and initiated a post deemed offensive through the Facebook account “Shazrin Kedah”, with the intention of annoying others.

The offence was committed at about 6.15pm on March 12, and the post was later viewed at the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) headquarters in Cyberjaya, Selangor.

The charge was framed under Section 233(1)(a) of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 and is punishable under Section 233(2) of the same Act. Bernama reported that the provision carries a maximum fine of RM500,000, up to two years’ jail, or both, upon conviction.

Prosecution and Defence Arguments

Deputy Public Prosecutor Fadhli Ab Wahab, representing the MCMC, urged the court to impose an appropriate sentence in the public interest and to deter the accused and others from similar offences.

He said a stern sentence would serve as a lesson to the accused and a warning to the public.

Defence counsel Amer Haiqal Mohd Yusof asked for a lighter sentence, saying his client was responsible for caring for both his parents, who have health problems.

Sent to Kajang Prison

Mohamed Shazrin was taken to Kajang Prison to serve his sentence after the proceedings, according to Bernama.

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