BUKIT MERTAJAM: The crowd of supporters at the Bukit Mertajam court complex has swelled as they gather in solidarity with Umno Youth chief Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh who will be charged with “public mischief”.
Supporters have lined Jalan Betek in Taman Bukit Kecil, where the Bukit Mertajam court is located.
Earlier, Dr Muhamad Akmal turned up at 8.27am Friday (Aug 22) to cheers as he entered the courthouse to face charges under Section 505(b) of the Penal Code.
He was greeted by his wife, mother, relatives and a team of lawyers representing him.
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Outside the court the group of over 150 supporters had to be controlled by police personnel.
With the Jalur Gemilang and “Solidarity with Dr Akmal Saleh” banners in hand, the supporters have been gathering from as early as 7.15am.
Those entering the courthouse have to been scanned by security personnel before being allowed into the courthouse.
It was reported that the AGC had said they would charge Dr Muhamad Akmal over a Facebook post under the name “Akmal Saleh”.
Also to be charged are Muhammad Hilman Idham over a TikTok post under the “alfah.channel.tv” account, Siti Hajar Aflah Sharuddin over a statement on the “SHA_Abrienda” TikTok account and Chandrasegaran Subramaniam over a statement made on TikTok under the “cikguchandra3” account.
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The AGC said based on the evidence and statements obtained, charges would be filed against Dr Muhamad Akmal, Muhammad Hilman and Siti Hajar under Section 505(b) of the Penal Code.
Meanwhile, it said Chandrasegaran would be charged under Section 233(1)(a) of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1988.
All charges will be filed in a Magistrate’s Court.
It added that the statements made by these individuals were found to have threatened public order or constituted improper use of network facilities or network services.
Under Section 505(b) of the Penal Code, a person may be charged with making statements likely to cause, fear or alarm to the public.
If convicted, a person can be punished with up to two years imprisonment, a fine, or both.
