Blogger charged with 'poking fun' at TNB
A blogger was charged in a sessions court in Petaling Jaya today with posting a parody on his blog, aimed at Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB).
A blogger was charged in a sessions court in Petaling Jaya today with posting a parody on his blog, aimed at Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB).
The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) accused Irwan Abdul Rahman, 36, of using the Internet to send false comments, with the intention of hurting the feelings of others.
His defence counsel, Jahaberdeen Mohamed Yunoos, said this is the first time a blogger is being charged under the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 for posting a parody or satire in his or her site.
He said they will be submitting their representation to the attorney-general's chambers to request that the charge be withdrawn.
"Such a charge would have a major impact on literature and writing skills in Malaysia," he said outside the court.
The charge, under Section 233(3)(1)(a) of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, states that Irwan had allegedly posted the comment entitled "TNB to Sue WWF over Earth Hour" on the blogsite http:nose4news.wordpress.com with intent to hurt others.
According to Irwan's tongue-in-cheek article, TNB would be suing the World Wildlife Federation for its global campaign as it had caused the company "millions in unrealised revenue".
If found guilty, Irwan (right), who is executive editor of The Malay Mail's lifestyle and entertainment section and uses the blog name Hassan Skodeng, can be fined up to RM50,000 or not more than a year in jail or both.
His posting on March 25 this year prompted the company to file a formal complaint with the MCMC, about a week later on April 2, accusing Irwan of filing an offensive article.
The MCMC is represented by deputy public prosecutor Badius Zaman Ahmad and MCMC prosecuting officer Zairul Nahar Zakaria.
Sessions court judge Hayatul Akma Abdul Aziz allowed Irwan to be released on bail of RM4,000, on one surety.
Red Berry Media Group adviser Ahiruddin Atan, otherwise known by his blog name Rocky, stepped forward as his bailor.
Hayatul set Nov 24 for mention of the case.
