logo
Court to decide on blogger's sedition case on Sept 24

Court to decide on blogger's sedition case on Sept 24

Blogger Wan Azri Wan Deris, also known as Papagomo, faces two sedition charges over remarks made on social media. (Bernama pic)
KUALA LUMPUR : The sessions court has fixed Sept 24 to deliver its decision in the sedition trial of blogger Wan Azri Wan Deris, also known as Papagomo, over a statement involving the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
Wan Azri's lawyer, Rafique Rashid Ali, said the court fixed the date on Tuesday after the prosecution closed its case. Seven witnesses were called to testify.
Wan Azri, 41, is accused of making the statement in a post on X, under the account sir_azri, at a condominium in Bukit Bintang at 12pm on April 29.
If convicted under the Sedition Act, he faces a maximum fine of RM5,000, up to three years in prison, or both.
The court is also expected to rule on July 9 in a separate sedition case involving Wan Azri.
In that case, he is accused of claiming in a Facebook video on Nov 8, 2023 that the government is 'pro-Israel and pro-Western nations'.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

2 men killed in shootout with cops in Jitra
2 men killed in shootout with cops in Jitra

Free Malaysia Today

time31 minutes ago

  • Free Malaysia Today

2 men killed in shootout with cops in Jitra

The police forensic unit at the scene of the shootout in Jitra, Kedah, this morning. (Bernama pic) PETALING JAYA : Two men, suspected to be criminals, were killed in a shootout with police in Jitra, Kedah, today. The incident happened on the North-South Expressway (PLUS) entrance road at 8.05am. Kedah police chief Fisol Salleh said policemen patrolling the area approached a four-wheel drive vehicle, with its occupants looking suspicious, and ordered it to stop, Bernama reported. 'The two men opened fire on the police vehicle. In the shootout that ensued, both were killed. 'Police found two firearms – a revolver and semi-automatic pistol – several bullets, a parang, and other tools for carrying out criminal activities in the car,' he told reporters at the scene. He said a background check on one of the men, aged 41, revealed that he had a criminal record for more than 40 offences. The identity of the other suspect was still unknown as he did not have any identification papers on him. 'We believe the two were part of a larger group commiting violent crimes across the country, including drug trafficking, gangsterism, factory break-ins and armed robberies. This gang is believed to have been active since 2020. 'The police forensic unit found three bullet casings at the scene,' he said. The bodies were sent to Hospital Sultanah Bahiyah in Alor Setar for an autopsy. The case is being investigated under Section 307 of the Penal Code for attempted murder. Bukit Aman criminal investigation department acting director Fadil Marsus, who was also present at the scene, said the two men were believed to belong to a criminal gang that had committed serious crimes. 'We are investigating whether they were linked to a criminal group in Klang, Selangor. The group is believed to have more than 30 members,' he said.

Doubts over Madani City are completely understandable. Here's why
Doubts over Madani City are completely understandable. Here's why

Free Malaysia Today

time2 hours ago

  • Free Malaysia Today

Doubts over Madani City are completely understandable. Here's why

From Boo Jia Cher Putrajaya's RM4 billion Madani City project promises a people-centric, walkable and sustainable city under the 'Malaysia Madani' banner. On paper, it's an inspiring vision for urban development. But scan through social media and it tells a different story. Public scepticism is widespread, and for good reason. The project touts a pedestrian-friendly design, underground roads and 10-15 minute walkability. It's progressive, by Malaysian standards. But there's one glaring flaw: Kota Madani's isolation from mass transit. Cut off from residents Quickly glance at a map of where it will be located and we can see that the MRT Putrajaya Line is far from Precinct 19. Without direct, convenient public transport connections, residents will remain car-dependent. The promise of leaving the car at home falls apart when faced with long, uncovered walks or unreliable feeder services. Instead of integration, Kota Madani risks becoming a well-designed but disconnected enclave – in theory another 'walkable city', but not in practice. It risks following the same trajectory as Desa ParkCity: pleasant and walkable within its elite borders, yet inconvenient to access without a car, and as a result, grappling with the same traffic congestion as the rest of the Klang Valley. Spend the money on existing areas The need for affordable housing for civil servants is understandable. But is building a brand-new township really the best use of RM4 billion? What if that money was channelled into retrofitting existing areas, making mature neighbourhoods near public transport truly walkable, expanding green spaces, improving public services and fixing first- and last-mile connectivity? It can be a golden opportunity to whip local councils, many of which have been festering in inaction and mediocrity for decades, into real and measurable action. Councils must be held accountable to provide proper, people-focused infrastructure, not continue enabling the car-centric madness choking our cities. Upgrading what already exists often delivers faster, broader benefits than starting from scratch, especially when new developments risk repeating the same old mistakes. Political branding Naming the project 'Kota Madani' directly ties it to the prime minister's political vision. Politicising long-term infrastructure is risky: cities outlive political cycles. When projects carry the mark of current leadership, future governments may abandon or rebrand them for political reasons. We've seen slogans like Wawasan 2020, 1Malaysia or Malaysia Baharu; once ubiquitous, yet over time they faded, replaced by new political branding with each administration. Madani will be no different. The public already dismisses 'Kota Madani' as more political theatre than meaningful progress. Good urban projects should stand on their own; built to last, not propped up by slogans destined to be forgotten. Lessons from abroad Malaysia doesn't need to reinvent the wheel. Proven urban strategies already exist, such as: Hong Kong's rail and property model: profitable, transit-oriented development around stations funds both housing and public transport, integrating the two from the start; Singapore's master planning: dense, walkable neighbourhoods are built directly along MRT lines, with seamless pedestrian and high frequency bus links; Tokyo's transit hubs: multi-level walkways and integrated developments around stations reduce car use and boost quality of life; Seoul's urban regeneration: projects like Cheonggyecheon show the power of investing in existing urban areas, turning soul-crushing highways into vibrant, green public spaces. Instead of isolated townships, Malaysia must apply these models to existing urban corridors, building housing, services and infrastructure together, close to transit and jobs. A vision in need of repair Kota Madani, or any urban redevelopment framed around people-centric ideals, has the potential to be more than political theatre or a short-term bid for civil servant support. However, that requires fixing its fundamental flaws. Real urban progress strengthens existing communities, connects people to opportunity and each other and prioritises lasting impact over grand announcements. Public scepticism is loud and clear. The question is: will Madani listen? If the government wants Kota Madani to be more than an expensive illusion, it must engage, adapt and fix the cracks before a single brick is laid. Boo Jia Cher is an FMT reader. The views expressed are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of FMT.

Shah Alam police tracking down Pakistani national, suspected of sexually assaulting young boys
Shah Alam police tracking down Pakistani national, suspected of sexually assaulting young boys

Malay Mail

time2 hours ago

  • Malay Mail

Shah Alam police tracking down Pakistani national, suspected of sexually assaulting young boys

SHAH ALAM, July 5 — Police are on the hunt for a Pakistani man believed to be a suspect in four cases of sodomy and molestation involving children and teenage boys in Section 27 and Section 28 here this year. Shah Alam district police chief ACP Mohd Iqbal Ibrahim said his team received four separate reports involving victims, aged nine, 13, 14, and 19 years old, regarding incidents that began in April and continue to this day, and all the incidents are believed to have been carried out by the same individual. 'The suspect's modus operandi is to initially ask for help from the victims and then take them to a secluded area before sodomising or molesting the victim. 'A total of four investigation papers have been opened, with two being investigated under Section 14(a) of the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017, while the other two are under Section 377C of the Penal Code,' he said in a statement today. Mohd Iqbal said the suspect Muhammad Hassan, 25, is unemployed and with his last known address being Taman Bunga Negara Flat in Section 27, Shah Alam. He said any individual with information regarding the incidents can contact Crime Investigation Officer, Inspector Siti Mahanira Mahat at 017-6444895. Previously, a WhatsApp post went viral, showing residents' concerns about a group of Pakistani nationals asking for help from children, especially boys. The group was also accused of seeking men aged 18 and under. — Bernama

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store