Just less than a month ago, the man involved in the 'Allah Socks' controversy over offensive Facebook post was sentenced to six months in jail with a fine of RM12,000, after pleading guilty in court.
Now, though the full RM12K fine has been paid off by the accused, the High Court announces to overturn the Chiok Wai Loong's conviction and six-month jail term.
Judge Ahmad Bache stated that after reviewing the transcripts and audio of Chiok Wai Loong's court appearance on March 22, the sessions court failed to record the accused's guilty plea in accordance with established procedures.
As reported by FMT, according to the judge, "nothing about his understanding of the charge or the ramifications of entering a guilty plea was mentioned. All he was told was the accusation and sentencing."
"How can the court and the prosecution expect a layperson like him to understand such a lengthy charge?"
The judge also acknowledged that he was not represented by attorneys on that particular day.
Ahmad, who was presiding over a revision application submitted by Chiok's attorneys, stated that he thought the accused had been treated unfairly throughout the entire process.
With this, Ahmad and The High Court ordered that Chiok Wai Loong face new charges in a different sessions court.
