PETALING JAYA: The former chief editor of The Edge, Azam Aris has been acquitted of defaming a Datuk and four companies in two articles published by The Edge Malaysia weekly.
Magistrate Zhafran Rahim Hamzah acquitted and discharged Azam, 61, after deputy public prosecutor (DPP) Siti Maryam Jamilah Kamal informed the court that the prosecution had received instructions from the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) to withdraw the case.
Siti said that the prosecution had also received a letter of representation, submitted by Azam, dated Sept 28.
“Therefore, I request that the accused be given a discharge not amounting to an acquittal (DNAA) for this charge,” Bernama quoted her as saying during the mention of the case today.
However, lawyer Rajsurian Pillai, who represented Azam, said his client should be released and acquitted of the charge because no reason was given as to why the case was withdrawn.
Azam was charged with defaming Kua Khai Shyuan, 38, and DGB Asia Bhd, through the publication of an article in The Edge Malaysia Issue 1337, for the Sept 21 to 27, 2020 period.
Meanwhile, he was granted a discharge not amounting to an acquittal (DNAA) in another court before magistrate Shahril Anuar Ahmad Mustapa on a separate charge of defaming Kua, DGB Asia, Trive Property Group Bhd, Metronic Global Bhd, and MNC Wireless Bhd, through an article published in The Edge Malaysia Issue 1365, for the April 12 to 18, 2021 period.
The two offences were allegedly committed at The Edge Communications Sdn Bhd, Level 3, Menara KLK, Mutiara Damansara, on Sept 21, 2020, and April 12, 2021.
Both charges were framed under Section 500 of the Penal Code, read together with Section 34 of the same code, which provided for a maximum jail term of two years or a fine or both, upon conviction. - FMT
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