Man Pleads Guilty to Posting Offensive and Threatening Messages Against Terengganu Royal Family
SEPANG: A 35-year-old man pleaded guilty in the Sessions Court here today to five charges involving offensive and threatening online communications directed at members of the Terengganu Royal Family through the social media platform X.
The accused, Azman Hakim Hassanuddin, entered his guilty plea after all charges were read before Judge Ahmad Fuad Othman during court proceedings.
According to the charge sheets, Azman Hakim allegedly published multiple communications containing offensive, abusive and threatening content through his personal X account on February 19.
Four of the posts were allegedly uploaded at different times during the afternoon, specifically at 2.25pm, 4.19pm, 4.20pm and 4.29pm, with the intention of causing annoyance, distress or emotional harm through communications deemed grossly offensive.
A fifth charge relates to a separate post allegedly uploaded at 3.46pm on the same day, which prosecutors described as a threatening communication intended to intimidate another person.
The offences were brought under Section 233(1)(a) of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 and are punishable under Section 233(2) of the same legislation.
Upon conviction, the accused faces a maximum fine of RM500,000, imprisonment of up to two years, or both. The law also allows for an additional daily fine of RM5,000 if the offence continues after conviction.
During the proceedings, Deputy Public Prosecutor Fadhli Ab Wahab requested that the court order the accused to undergo psychiatric observation and evaluation before further legal proceedings continue.
The prosecution argued that a psychiatric assessment was necessary to determine the accused’s mental condition and establish whether he is fit to stand trial.
After considering the application, the court granted the request and ordered Azman Hakim to be admitted to a psychiatric facility for observation and examination.
The court further directed that the accused remain in custody without bail pending the completion of the psychiatric report.
Judge Ahmad Fuad subsequently fixed August 26 for the next case mention, during which the findings of the psychiatric evaluation are expected to be presented.
The case has drawn attention due to its connection to alleged online communications targeting members of a royal institution, highlighting ongoing efforts by authorities to address the misuse of digital platforms for abusive, offensive or threatening content.
Future proceedings are expected to focus on the psychiatric findings, which will play a key role in determining whether the accused is legally fit to proceed with the judicial process.
