GEORGE TOWN: A lorry driver was charged at the Sessions Court here today with posting a ‘hate message’ on social media early this year.
Karitikesoo Valu, 43, from Puchong, Selangor pleaded not guilty to the offence of misusing network services by posting the hate message on the Facebook page “Suresh Don Don” on Jan 23 this year.
The message was read by a Penang factory worker, who subsequently lodged a police report.
When the charge was read out to him in court, Karitikesoo smiled and shook his head in disagreement.
He was charged under Section 233 (1)(a) of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.
The charge carries a maximum RM50,000 fine and/or one year’s jail upon conviction.
His post – which was read out in court – was deemed antagonistic and insulting to Malays and Muslims, and played on fears or racial and religious marginalisation.
Karitikesoo’s lawyer, Sukhindarpal Singh, from the Legal Aid Centre, told the court that his client is the sole breadwinner of his family, which includes five children.
He also told the court that his client’s wife was on the way from Puchong to bail him out after he was picked up by police earlier this morning.
Judge Norsalha Hamzah denied bail and set April 23 for mention.
State Prosecution Unit director Yusaini Abdul Karim prosecuted.
Karitikesoo has a criminal record of a drug-related offense.