MCMC probing individual over online post on chief justice

 The investigation comes hours after Wan Ahmad Farid Wan Salleh was named the new chief justice.

The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission said the post is believed to contain false claims regarding the appointment of the chief justice. 

PETALING JAYA:

 The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) is investigating an individual for allegedly uploading offensive content about the judiciary.

In a statement, MCMC said the post is believed to contain false claims regarding the appointment of the chief justice. However, it did not provide any details on the claims that were made.

The individual was called in for questioning at the Petaling Jaya district police headquarters at 2.30pm, with a mobile phone and SIM card also seized as part of the investigation.

MCMC said it views the spread of false and offensive content involving the judiciary seriously, and warned that any misuse of social media in such a manner could erode public trust and disrupt national harmony.

It also said firm action will be taken under existing laws.

The case is being probed under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, which relates to the improper use of network facilities or services and provides for a fine of up to RM500,000, up to two years in prison, or both.

Last night, the office of the chief registrar announced that Wan Ahmad Farid Wan Salleh had been appointed the new chief justice, replacing Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat who retired earlier this month.

In a statement, the office said the Yang di-Pertuan Agong also consented to the appointments of Abu Bakar Jais as Court of Appeal president and Azizah Nawawi as chief judge of Sabah and Sarawak.

All three will be sworn in and presented with their letters of appointment at Istana Negara on July 28. - FMT