What legal section applies to online insults against the monarchy?

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Accepted Answer

Section 233(1)(a) of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 applies to online insults against the monarchy.

A factory worker has pleaded guilty in the Sessions Court to charges related to initiating and transmitting offensive communications online, specifically targeting the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and the Raja Permaisuri Agong. The accused, Shahril Mohd Sarif, 37, made his plea on March 6, with sentencing scheduled for March 12.
Charges under the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998
The individual was charged under Section 233(1)(a) of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998. This section pertains to the improper use of network facilities or network services to transmit offensive communications with the intent to annoy others. The alleged offensive communications were made via an Instagram account between 10am and 1pm on March 1.
Potential Penalties for Conviction
If convicted under this act, the accused could face sentencing under Section 233(3) of the same legislation. This subsection outlines the penalties for such an offence, which include a maximum fine of RM50,000, a jail term of up to one year, or a combination of both.
Background of the Offensive Communications
The offensive remarks were reportedly posted on the official Instagram page of Istana Negara during a live video of the recent swearing-in ceremony of the eighth Prime Minister. These postings were identified by the Cyber Crime and Multimedia Investigation Division of the Bukit Aman police headquarters. The deputy public prosecutor noted that the accused had a prior conviction for a similar offence in the previous year, which influenced the bail application. The court ultimately set bail at RM16,000 with one surety.

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What legal section applies to online insults against the monarchy?

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