M’sian Man to Spend 3 Months in Jail After Posting Hateful Remarks About Anwar Ibrahim on Facebook

A 35-year-old unemployed man has been sentenced to three months in prison by the Sepang Sessions Court after pleading guilty to making offensive and hateful posts targeting Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on social media.

The accused, Mohamed Shazrin Jamil, entered his guilty plea immediately after the charge was read out to him before Judge Raja Shahril Anuar Raja Baniamin on 11 November 2026 as reported by Utusan Malaysia.

Hateful remarks targeted the dignity of the Prime Minister

According to Utusan Malaysia, Mohamed Shazrin consciously made and initiated the transmission of grossly offensive communications using his Facebook account under the handle “Shazrin Kedah” at 6:15 PM on 12 March 2026, with the intent to annoy and cause distress to others.

The prosecution noted that the post utilised coarse references and hate-filled language capable of causing offense while undermining the dignity of the Prime Minister.

The offense was charged under Section 233(1)(a) of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 [Act 588], which is punishable under Section 233(2) of the same Act. Under this provision, offenders face a maximum fine of RM50,000, imprisonment for up to two years, or both, alongside a further fine of RM1,000 for each day the offense is continued after conviction.

During the court proceedings, Deputy Public Prosecutor for the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), Fadhli Ab Wahab, urged the court to hand down a sentence that reflects public interest and serves as a strong deterrent against similar offenses.

“The level of insult in the comment, the use of abusive language, and its public accessibility are aggravating factors that the court must take into consideration. A strict sentence must be imposed not only to prevent the accused from repeating the offence, but also to serve as a lesson to others so they do not commit the same act,” MCMC prosecuting officer said.

Defense pleads for leniency due to family financial burdens

In mitigation, defense counsel Amer Haiqal Mohd. Yusof pleaded for a shorter prison sentence, asking the court to take into account his client’s dire financial situation and heavy family responsibilities.

The court was informed that Mohamed Shazrin is currently unemployed, has no fixed income, and only has approximately RM1,000 left in savings. Furthermore, counsel highlighted that the accused is a dutiful son who acts as the primary caregiver for his elderly parents, who suffer from kidney stones, diabetes, and chronic triple-high conditions.

Despite the appeal for leniency, Judge Raja Shahril Anuar Raja Baniamin ordered Mohamed Shazrin to serve three months in Kajang Prison, with the sentence taking effect immediately.

What are your thoughts on the court’s decision regarding social media conduct and offensive posts? Share your views in the comments section below!

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