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THE Sessions Court in Kuala Lumpur has fined blogger Wan Muhammad Azri Wan Deris, also known as Papagomo, RM4,000 after finding him guilty of publishing seditious content deemed to incite hatred against the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Sultan Ibrahim.
Judge Norma Ismail handed down the sentence after concluding that the defence had failed to cast reasonable doubt on the prosecution’s case.
The court further ruled that the accused would face four months’ imprisonment should he fail to settle the fine.
In urging the court to impose a firm sentence, deputy public prosecutor Sabri Othman emphasised the gravity of the offence and its wider implications.
“The accused insulted the Yang di-Pertuan Agong using harsh words. A fine alone would not suffice, as this is a serious offence,” New Straits Times cited him saying.
Counsel for the defence, Muhammad Rafique Rashid Ali, sought leniency on the grounds of his client’s personal circumstances and cooperation throughout proceedings.
“He has cooperated fully in the case. This is his first offence involving sedition,” he said, noting that Wan Muhammad Azri supports five children, including one with autism.
The charge stemmed from a post made on the social media platform X on May 2, 2024, relating to His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim’s audience with the owner of KK Supermart & Superstore Sdn Bhd.
Wan Muhammad Azri had pleaded not guilty at the outset of proceedings.
He was prosecuted under Section 4(1)(c) of the Sedition Act 1948, which carries a maximum penalty of a RM5,000 fine, up to three years’ imprisonment, or both upon conviction.
The court had previously ordered him to enter his defence on September 24 last year.
The case highlights the judiciary’s continued emphasis on safeguarding the dignity of the monarchy, particularly in the context of online discourse, as authorities navigate the balance between freedom of expression and legal accountability. - March 30, 2026