Attorney General’s Chambers files appeal against Sessions Court decision to acquit Badrul Hisham Shaharin of defaming Sultan Ibrahim.
KUALA LUMPUR: The Attorney General’s Chambers has filed an appeal against the acquittal of Badrul Hisham Shaharin on a defamation charge involving His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim.
The appeal challenges the Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court decision that discharged the activist without requiring him to enter his defence.
Sessions Court Judge Norma Ismail ruled that the prosecution failed to establish a prima facie case against Badrul Hisham.
The case involves Section 499 of the Penal Code read with Section 500, which covers defamation offences.
Badrul Hisham, popularly known as Chegu Bard, was accused of making a statement intended to harm the King’s reputation.
The alleged offence occurred at the Office of the Comptroller of the Royal Household, Istana Negara, on January 22, 2024.
He was formally charged on April 29, 2024, under Section 500 of the Penal Code.
This section carries a maximum penalty of two years’ imprisonment, a fine, or both upon conviction.
The appeal has been filed at the High Court in Kuala Lumpur to overturn the acquittal decision.
The AGC confirmed the appeal filing in an official statement released today. – Bernama
