Defaming deputy minister: FT AMANAH lodges police report against two

Federal Territories AMANAH has filed a police report against two Facebook users, alleging that they defamed its Wanita chief, Datuk Aiman Athirah Sabu.

The Facebook users in question are identified as Sabri Mamat and Md Nor Azam on Facebook. 

AMANAH’s communications director, Razali Zakaria said that they became aware of  Facebook posts that were defamatory towards Aiman Athirah who is also Sepang MP and Deputy Housing and Local Government Minister. 

“One of the posts had a picture of Aiman Athirah and a can of beer with a super-imposed Amanah logo on it.

“It also had a caption describing her as a child born from the rocket,” he said outside the Dang Wangi police headquarters today, reported FMT. 

The report was lodged under Section 499 of the Penal Code, Sections 3 and 5 of the Defamation Act 1957, and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act.

Razali emphasised that such accusations not only damage Aiman’s reputation but also harm the party’s image as a whole.

Controversy arose when a photo went viral showed Aiman attending a school charity event sponsored by Tiger Beer.

The event took place last Friday at SJK(C) Tche Min in Sungai Pelek, Sepang.

Following the event, Facebook user Md Nor Azam posted a photo that associates Aiman with Tiger Beer.

In his post, Azam referred to Aiman as the child of the rocket. 

The term Rocket refers to DAP’s logo. Opposition parties often claim Amanah was formed with DAP’s influence. 

Tiger Beer is a beer brand, and Azam’s defamatory post is problematic for Muslims because Islam forbids alcohol consumption.

Section 499 of the Penal Code criminalizes defamation by making it an offence to intentionally damage someone’s reputation with false statements. Penalties can include fines and imprisonment.

Section 3 of the Defamation Act 1957 defines defamatory matters and outlines the basis for defamation claims, focusing on how statements affect an individual’s reputation.

Section 5 of the Defamation Act 1957** provides defences against defamation claims, including truth, fair comment on public issues, and privilege, which protect certain statements from legal action.
He said that this report is the second filed on the issue, following a similar report submitted by Sepang Amanah yesterday. 

Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act criminalizes improper use of network facilities, including posting offensive or false content online. Penalties include fines and imprisonment.