Facebook user jailed a year for offensive Hari Raya greeting


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(Malay Mail Online) – A 27-year-old Facebook user was sentenced to one year’s jail after he pleaded guilty to making remarks disparaging Islam and the Prophet Muhammad.

Chow Mun Fai was earlier charged with using his “Chow Jack” Facebook account on June 12 to post a Hari Raya Aidilfitri greeting that included the words “devil” and “bak kut teh”, a dish containing pork that is forbidden to Muslims.

The charge was proffered under Section 233 (1)(a) of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, for posting an offensive comment with intention to hurt the feelings of others.

After hearing arguments from both sides, Sessions Court judge Azman Mustapha ordered Chow to be jailed for one year ― the maximum imprisonment term allowed under Section 233 (3) of the same law.

The penalty under Section 233 (3) is a fine of up to RM50,000 or one year jail or both.

Chow’s lawyer Ahmad Ridza Mohd Noh had earlier asked for a lighter sentence, pointing out that his client was providing for his parents, both aged 60, with his RM2,000 monthly wage as a site supervisor.

Ahmad Ridza also said that his client suffered from severe gastric problems and tuberculosis.

Chow also regretted his error and his act would “haunt” him for life, the lawyer said.

DPP Suhaimi Ibrahim had argued that “public policy demands a severe sentence to be imposed” in Chow’s case.

Earlier today, Chow pleaded not guilty to the principal charge under the Sedition Act.

 



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