Malaysia jails man for having picture of king Sultan Ibrahim on his car during by-election
- The 66-year-old was arrested after he was spotted driving around in a vehicle prominently displaying photos of Malaysia’s king and prime minister
- He apologised to the court and pleaded for a lighter sentence, saying he was unaware his actions during a by-election campaign had broken the law
The car also prominently displayed flags of Anwar’s ruling Pakatan Harapan coalition, local police Superintendent Ahmad Faizal earlier told reporters.
Ramasamy was charged under Section 4(A)1 of Malaysia’s Election Offences Act 1954, which carries a maximum jail term of five years and a fine of up to 10,000 ringgit.
A magistrate’s court on Monday ordered the self-employed man to serve his month-long prison sentence from the date of his arrest. If he fails to pay the fine, he will be jailed for 10 months, national news agency Bernama reported.
Ramasamy, who did not have a lawyer, apologised to the court and pleaded for a lighter sentence, saying that he was unaware that his actions were against the law.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Asmah Che Wan asked the court to impose an appropriate sentence as the offence involved disrespecting and insulting Sultan Ibrahim.
Hulu Selangor police said on Saturday that they had arrested two men in connection with the case and seized the vehicle that had been used. Both suspects were in their 60s.
One of the suspects had a prior criminal record for obstructing a lawful arrest.
Superintendent Ahmad Faizal said only one of the suspects was recommended to be charged while the other was made a prosecution witness.
He reminded everyone not to politicise sensitive issues or discuss race, religion and royalty, known in Malaysia as so-called 3R issues.
