Why was the labourer jailed and fined RM8,000?

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Labourer Sentenced for Contemptuous Social Media Post Against the Sultan of Pahang

A labourer was sentenced to one day in jail and fined RM8,000 for uploading obscene communication on Facebook that was deemed contemptuous of the Sultan of Pahang, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah. The court determined that the act constituted a serious offence against the royal institution, necessitating a penalty to deter future transgressions.
Offence Against the Royal Institution

Yusaini Razab @ Che Soh, 42, pleaded guilty to making and initiating communication of an obscene nature against Al-Sultan Abdullah, who also serves as the Yang di-Pertuan Agong. This communication, posted on Facebook under the profile name ‘Al Naml’, was intended to annoy others and occurred on March 7, 2020. The Sessions Court Judge, Manira Mohd Nor, emphasized that such contemptuous actions against the monarchy must be curbed.
Legal Framework and Penalties

The charge against Yusaini was framed under Section 233(1)(a) of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1988. This section, punishable under subsection (3) of the same act, carries a maximum fine of RM50,000 or imprisonment for up to one year, or both. Furthermore, an additional daily fine of RM1,000 can be imposed for each day the offence continues after conviction, highlighting the severity with which such online misconduct is viewed.
Judicial Sentencing Considerations

In delivering the sentence, Judge Manira Mohd Nor considered the accused's appeal for leniency, noting his monthly income of RM1,500 which supports his elderly mother. However, the court also took into account the gravity of the offence, which involved disrespect towards the royal institution. The judge stressed the importance of exercising caution when uploading content on social media and stated that the sentence was intended to serve as a lesson to both the accused and society at large.
Investigation and Public Reporting

The incident came to light following a public report lodged with the police. Authorities arrested Yusaini on June 17, 2020, and seized a smartphone believed to have been used in the commission of the offence. The prosecution highlighted that the act was irresponsible and had disrupted harmony among the populace, advocating for an appropriate punishment.

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Why was the labourer jailed and fined RM8,000?

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