The Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC) announced that charges will be brought against Umno Youth chief in connection with a Facebook post that authorities believe disturbed public order. Alongside him, two other individuals are also expected to be charged.
According to the AGC, the decision was reached following a review of investigation papers submitted by the police. It explained that the material linked to the three individuals contained elements that could disrupt public order or amounted to improper use of network services. Charges against Youth Chief will be filed under Section 505(b) of the Penal Code, which deals with statements that may cause fear or alarm to the public or incite offences against public order.
Also facing charges is Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia Youth chief Muhammad Hilman Idham. His case reportedly stems from a video taken during a protest on July 29, where he was alleged to have suggested that arrests of Bersatu members were politically motivated. The AGC noted that his remarks were among those deemed to have the potential to unsettle public order.
Another individual, Siti Hajar Aflah Sharuddin, is being charged under the same provision, while a separate charge under Section 233(1)(a) of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1988 will be brought against Chandrasegaran a/l Subramaniam. That section addresses improper use of network facilities or services.
Although it is not yet clear which specific Facebook post is the basis of charge, the announcement follows heightened scrutiny of his recent activities. Last week, Umno's youth chief was called by federal police to provide a statement regarding a protest in Kepala Batas, Penang, over an upside-down display of the Jalur Gemilang. The AGC had earlier cautioned the public against acts of vigilantism in relation to flag desecration cases, following widespread reaction to the Umno Youth-led demonstration.
Umno's Youth Chief has since revealed in a Facebook post that he is currently abroad performing the umrah pilgrimage in Mecca. He added that he would return ahead of schedule to face the charge at the Bukit Mertajam Magistrate’s Court this coming Friday.
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