An independent speaker was fined RM7,000 or 30 days imprisonment by the Magistrate’s Court in Balik Pulau today for disparaging the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) in February.

Nahar Afandi Ghazali, 45, pleaded guilty before Magistrate Nur Azzuin Abdul Moati to committing the offence at Masjid Jamek Sungai Tiram, Barat Daya in Balik Pulau between 6.40am and 7.40am on Feb 20.

The charge under Section 500 of the Penal Code provides for imprisonment of up to two years or a fine or both, on conviction.

State Prosecution Unit head Razali Che Ani in urging the court to impose a deterrent sentence, said it was in the interest of the public.

“The disparagement was clearly directed at PDRM, a law enforcement agency that safeguards not only our but also the accused’s security.

“The accused was giving a public talk as a religious speaker when he made the disparaging remarks against PDRM, and which was posted in a social website accessible to the whole of Malaysia,” Razali submitted.

In mitigation, counsel Norliza Mohd Ali said the accused, a father of 10, had admitted his mistake and would not repeat it.

Nahar Afandi paid the fine.

- Bernama