KUALA LUMPUR – The trial of Umno’s Datuk Lokman Noor Adam, who is facing two charges of making and initiating offensive communications against Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob and the government, will start on October 9 at the sessions court here.
Sessions Court judge N. Priscilla Hemamalini set 10 days – on October 9, 10, 11, 23 and 24, as well as November 21, 22, 27, 28 and 29 – for the hearing after Kuala Lumpur prosecution director Datin Kalmizah Salleh informed the court that the prosecution had received instructions from the Attorney-General’s Chambers for the case to continue with a trial.
Kalmizah was assisted by deputy public prosecutor Nurilya Ellyna Nor Azmal in the case which came up for mention today.
Lokman, an Umno Supreme Council member, was in court today and he was represented by lawyer Logen Eskander.
Last May 29, Kalmizah informed the court that the AGC was still studying the representation submitted by Lokman.
Lokman was charged with making and initiating the transmission of the offensive communications against then-prime minister Ismail Sabri and the government on September 1 last year and had pleaded not guilty to both charges.
The offences were allegedly made through the Facebook app using the profile name “Lokman Noor Adam Official” with the intention of annoying others.
The first charge involved a post against Ismail Sabri, which was allegedly committed at 11.16pm on August 20 last year.
The post was read at 8.15am on August 24 last year at Mutiara Villa Jalan Tung Shin, Bukit Bintang here.
For the second charge, which is against the government, Lokman was alleged to have committed the offence at 10.28pm on August 22 last year and the post was read at 11.30am the following day at a restaurant in Jalan Sentul here.
The charges, framed under Section 233(1)(a) of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 and punishable under Section 233(3) of the same law, provide for a maximum fine of RM50,000 or imprisonment for up to one year and the accused can also be fined RM1,000 for each day the offence continues after conviction. – September 11, 2023