KUALA LUMPUR – Comedian Harith Iskander and his ex-wife, Dr Jezamine Lim, have the option to file a civil lawsuit against Izzuddin Md Salim, who was recently sentenced to five months in jail and fined RM2,000 for sending death and rape threats to their family.
Their lawyer, Datuk Seri Rajan Navaratnam, confirmed that while a lawsuit is a possibility, no instructions have been given yet.
“That is an option they have and will be contemplated by them in due course,” he told Scoop when contacted.
“But as of now, I have not received any instructions.”
He added that both Harith and Jezamine have accepted the court’s decision and need time to move on.
Earlier today, the Kuala Lumpur Magistrate’s Court sentenced Izzuddin, 31, under Section 506 of the Penal Code, which carries a maximum sentence of seven years.
According to reports, he was convicted of sending a threatening WhatsApp message with an image of their daughter containing words indicating that he would commit rape and murder.
The message was received by Jezamine in a restaurant at 8:50am on January 23, causing criminal intimidation.
Deputy public prosecutor Mohd Sabri Othman urged the court to impose a deterrent sentence, highlighting the severity of the threats made against Harith’s family.
However, defence lawyer Qurratu Aini Zafirah Mat Shoib sought leniency, citing her client’s role as the sole breadwinner of his family.
Magistrate S. Mageswary ultimately handed down a five-month jail term and a RM2,000 fine, with an additional one-month imprisonment if the fine is not paid.
Izzuddin was also asked if he was responsible for the offence, to which he replied: “Yes, my only intention was to upset Harith Iskander. I had no other motive. This is my first offence, and I deeply regret it.”
Rajan said the magistrate had exercised her discretion in sentencing, adding that his clients respect the court’s decision.
“The magistrate has, in her wisdom and discretion, sentenced the accused to five months and a fine of RM2,000, in default another month’s imprisonment. My clients respect the authority of the court, its judicial process, and the sentence handed down,” he said.
However, the case has sparked debate among netizens, with many believing the punishment is too lenient. Some have called for harsher penalties for such crimes, arguing that threats against children should carry heavier consequences.
One online comment read: “A person like this should be imprisoned for life so crimes like these are not committed against another human being.”
For now, Harith and Jezamine have asked for space as they process the incident.
“They should be given the space to cope with this unfortunate episode,” said Rajan, who also represents Harith in an investigation over a joke allegedly insulting Islam and the Prophet Muhammad. — January 31, 2025