Blogger freed of CMA charge over picture of Najib behind bars

AMPANG: The Sessions Court here today acquitted a man of uploading an edited picture showing former prime minister Najib Razak behind bars two years ago.

Judge Suzana Husin freed Abdul Muhaimin Mohd Muhayeddin of the charge under Section 233 (1)(a) of the Communications and Multimedia Act (CMA) after the prosecution, represented by deputy public prosecutor Goh Ai Rene, informed the court that they did not wish to pursue the case against the blogger.

Muhaimin claimed trial on May 16, 2016, for allegedly uploading the picture with the intent to insult others.

His lawyer Syed Iskandar Syed Jaafar Al Mahdzar said three witnesses were called to testify in the trial, including the complainant.

“This case has become history now because Muhaimin was charged during Najib’s time in office and now he (Najib) is no longer in power.

“When he was charged two years ago, I also argued that the charge against him could not stand because the CMA is meant to regulate telecommunication operators, not to protect individuals from being insulted,” he added.

Syed Iskandar also said Muhaimin was relieved over the acquittal.

Besides Muhaimin, editors from news portal Malaysiakini, former minister Zaid Ibrahim, and Deputy Rural and Regional Development Minister R Sivarasa have all been acquitted of charges under the multimedia law.

Activist and graphic designer Fahmi Reza, who was also charged under the CMA over his clown caricature of Najib, escaped jail time and had his fine reduced from RM30,000 to RM10,000. However, his conviction was upheld by the Ipoh High Court.

Communications and Multimedia Minister Gobind Singh had said Pakatan Harapan would amend certain provisions under the CMA which were deemed too broad. -FMT