Former TV3 News Editor Pleads Not Guilty to Alleged False Facebook Post
SEPANG: A former TV3 News Editor has claimed trial in the Sessions Court here after being charged with allegedly publishing false information through a Facebook post earlier this year.
Mohd. Khaidir Ahmad entered a not guilty plea before Judge Ahmad Fuad Othman after the charge was formally read to him during proceedings on Wednesday.
According to the charge sheet, the accused allegedly made and transmitted a communication deemed false in nature through a Facebook account bearing the name “Khaidir Ahmad” at approximately 8.55am on April 12.
The post in question allegedly contained claims that a vessel was transporting 52 million litres of subsidised diesel from Sabah for smuggling purposes into the Philippines and raised questions regarding parties purportedly benefiting from the activity.
Authorities contend that the information shared in the post was false, leading to criminal charges under provisions of Malaysia’s communications laws.
The offence was framed under Section 233(1)(a) of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 and is punishable under Section 233(2) of the same legislation.
If convicted, Mohd. Khaidir could face a fine of up to RM500,000, imprisonment of up to two years, or both. The law also allows for an additional daily fine of RM5,000 for continuing offences after conviction.
The prosecution, represented by Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) deputy public prosecutor Siti Hajar Sulaiman, requested that bail be set at RM7,000 with one surety.
However, the accused, who appeared in court without legal representation, appealed for a lower bail amount, citing his current financial circumstances.
He informed the court that he is a retired private-sector employee with no pension income and has previously been declared bankrupt.
Mohd. Khaidir further stated that he remains responsible for supporting four children who are still pursuing their education.
He also told the court that his wife is suffering from paralysis following a stroke, adding to the family’s financial burden.
After considering submissions from both parties, the court allowed bail at RM6,000 with one surety.
Judge Ahmad Fuad subsequently fixed August 19 for case management and further proceedings.
The case has attracted public attention due to the accused’s former role as a senior figure in the country’s mainstream media industry.
Legal observers note that the prosecution will need to establish that the communication was false and that the accused knowingly transmitted it in order to secure a conviction under the relevant provisions of the law.
For now, Mohd. Khaidir maintains his innocence and has elected to contest the charge through a full trial process.
The proceedings will continue later this year as both the prosecution and defence prepare their respective cases before the court.
