KUALA LUMPUR – A senior citizen has been sentenced to a month’s jail and fined RM3,000 by the Kuala Kubu Baharu magistrates’ court for displaying the Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s photo on a campaign vehicle used for the by-election here.
P. Ramasamy, 66, pleaded guilty to the crime of promoting feelings of ill-will or hostility under Section 4A(1) of the Election Offences Act 1954 before judge Siti Fatimah Talib, who was sitting as a magistrate, today.
The judge also ordered that Ramasamy would have to serve 10 months in jail if he failed to pay the fine.
Earlier today, Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain said two men who had been arrested for displaying the King’s photo on a vehicle in Kuala Kubu Baharu would be charged today.
Meanwhile, Hulu Selangor police chief Ahmad Faizal Tahrim in a statement said only Ramasamy was charged as the other man, in his 60s, who had been arrested along with the accused, was only a witness in the case.
Police seized a four-wheel drive with images of the Agong and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim that was used in canvassing for votes in the state seat in Selangor on Saturday.
Photos of one vehicle showed that it was mounted with Pakatan Harapan flags, but the ruling coalition has denied that the stunt was part of its campaign.
Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil also said the opposition Perikatan Nasional had also confirmed it had not employed such a campaign gimmick.
The charge against Ramasamy under the Election Offences Act covers any act or statement made with a view or tendency to promote feelings of ill-will to induce any voter to either vote or refrain from voting at an election, to procure the election of any person. – May 6, 2024