PKR MP claims trial to sharing parody Time covers of PM

(Malay Mail Online) – PKR’s R. Sivarasa claimed trial today to two charges of sharing “false communication with the intent to annoy” on social media.

The Subang MP was charged with violating Section 233(1)(a) of the Multimedia and Communications Act 1998 for sharing two editions ― one in English and the other in Bahasa Malaysia ― of a Time magazine cover that had been modified to show a photograph of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak with the caption “No 2 Dalam Senarai Rasuah” (No 2 on the Most Corrupt List).

“I think this is a complete overreaction to a small matter,” Sivarasa told reporters.

“But this prosecution will highlight the key issue in our country, which is the corruption concerns surrounding 1MDB (1Malaysia Development Berhad), because that was really the substance of the image.

“It was based on the actual article in Time magazine, which has not been challenged at all up to today by the prime minister,” he added.

The offence is punishable under Section 233(3) of the same Act, which could see a maximum fine of RM50,000 or a maximum one-year jail term, or both.