A local woman working as a clinic assistant in Singapore appeared in the Sessions Court and pleaded not guilty to a charge of making a malicious communication aimed at harming the Eighth Prime Minister, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin. This charge is related to an incident that occurred three years ago.
To provide context, Tan Sri Muhyiddin was officially sworn in as the Eighth Prime Minister on March 1, 2020, in the presence of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah.
According to the charge, Tai Zee Zing, who was pursuing a diploma in business management in Singapore, stands accused of using the Facebook application under the profile 'penny tai.' She intentionally initiated a malicious communication that read, "can hire a killer to kill the new prime minister," with the intent to hurt the feelings of others. This communication was made at the Ampang Police Station at 12:35 PM. on March 1, 2020.
The charge is made under Section 233(1)(a)(ii) of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, which is punishable under Section 233(3) of the same act. If found guilty, this offense carries a maximum fine of RM50,000 or imprisonment for up to one year, or both. Additionally, a further fine of RM1,000 for each day or part of a day the offense continues after conviction may be imposed.
During the court proceedings, Deputy Public Prosecutor Hakim Amir Abdul Hamid proposed a bail amount of RM20,000 for the accused. He also suggested additional conditions, such as requiring the accused to report to the nearby police station and surrender her passport to the court.
However, the defense lawyer, Rajsurian Pillai, argued for a reduction in the bail amount. He emphasized that Zee Zing is a student who assists in supporting her parents and requested leniency, considering her need to travel between countries.
After hearing arguments from both sides, Judge Wan Mohd Norisham allowed the accused to be released on bail with RM10,000 and a surety. The re-mention of the case is on December 20th.
Source: Sinar Harian
