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CONTROVERSIAL blogger Papagomo has claimed trial in the Sessions Court in Sepang today to a charge of initiating the transmission of allegedly false communications with the intention of disturbing others, relating to a Facebook post he made in May suggesting that 11 PKR Members of Parliament were preparing to retract their support for the Prime Minister.
Wan Muhammad Azri Wan Deris, known publicly as Papagomo, entered his plea before Sessions Court Judge Ahmad Fuad Othman after the charge was read to him by the court interpreter.
He is accused under Section 233(1)(a) of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 for using his Facebook account, Muhammad Azri, to publish the contentious post.
The alleged offence took place at 7.32pm on 28 May, and the post was later viewed at Level 8, Tower 1 of the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) headquarters in Cyberjaya.
If convicted, Wan Muhammad Azri faces punishment under Section 233(2), which provides for a fine of up to RM500,000, imprisonment of up to two years, or both. He may also face an additional fine of RM5,000 for each day the offence continues after conviction.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Fatin Hadni Khairuddin applied for bail to be set at RM5,000 with one surety, and requested that the court fix a date for the delivery of case documents.
Defence counsel Muhammad Rafique Rashid Ali objected to the proposed amount, arguing that his client had consistently cooperated throughout the investigation.
However, Judge Ahmad Fuad ruled that the prosecution’s request was reasonable and ordered bail at RM5,000 with one surety. The court set 7 January for the case to be mentioned and for documents to be handed over.
Speaking outside the courtroom, Muhammad Rafique said the trial has been scheduled to run from 27 to 30 April next year. He also noted that the defence had been informed that the prosecution intends to call several Members of Parliament to testify. - December 1, 2025