THERE is no such thing as free speech, not especially when it comes proffering opinions on Malaysian royalty.
In a case highlighted by pro-Madani influencer JOKER 🔺(@tjerealjoker) on X, a 53-year-old tailor’s assistant was fined RM4,000 (or six months imprisonment in lieu) after having pleaded guilty of insulting the Yang di-Pertuan Agong in relation to a Facebook post pertaining to the asam pedas feast in Johor Bahru.
The mother of five was charged with publishing inflammatory words on the said luncheon hosted by Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia that also featured Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim through Nori Norli’s Facebook account at 2pm on Dec 11 last year
Kes hina Agong makan asam pedas dengan PMX, December lepas.
Laki bini kena tuduh menghina kat Facebook.
Bini kerja pembantu tukang jahit. Gaji 500.
Laki kerja pembantu gerai. Gaji 1000.Norli Mohd Yusof. Umur 53. Mengaku bersalah.
Denda 4,000. Kalo x bayar kena 6 bulan penjara.… pic.twitter.com/siHLC6M3g5— JOKER 🔺 (@tjerealjoker) February 4, 2025
Editor’s note: The X post by JOKER 🔺has apparently given the impression that “a couple” has been charged for insulting the Agong which is not the case as only the wife who was charged and sentenced.
Highlighting that the accused, Norli Mohamed Yusof would find it difficult to pay the fine as she is currently only earning RM400-RM500/month while her food stall assistant husband earns RM800-RM1,000/month, the poster wondered if PAS and Bersatu would be generous enough to lend a helping hand.
Mocking those who take it upon themselves to be “ultimate fighters”, JOKER 🔺contended that Norli would now have to pay for her stupidity.
The message is that the accused has to learn the hard way that those political parties that seek to fan 3R (race, religion and royalty) sentiments will not come to her aid when push comes to shove.
The post was met with a flurry of comments reflecting on the case with more than a few stated that she deserved her comeuppance.
A few pointed out that even if one wanted to voice out dissenting opinions, it must be done in a proper manner.
One netizen suggested that it was better to stay silent by refraining from commenting to which the poster replied that fair comment was fine but not those based on false assumptions and falsehoods.
He further contended that those who are blinded by prejudice will not be able to see the trees from the woods.
Another netizen questioned why there was no presumably opposition politician willing to help when they were pocketing large sums in allowances each month.
Some netizens even wondered where were the walaun (slang for PAS supporters). Why is there no donation drive to help pay the fine levied on this couple?
There are few realities that this case brings up.
Firstly, although social media may seem like an untamed frontier where anything goes, it is not a license to slander and spread disinformation.
Secondly, one must always be mindful when commenting on things pertaining to the monarchy. There will be repercussions if comments are not couched in the right language.
Thirdly, it would be wise to keep emotions in check and not be swayed by individuals or parties that seek to inflame the situation.
As clearly shown in this case, aid will not come one’s way when it is most needed. One commenter had a valuable piece of advice – to engage one’s grey matter BEFORE spewing on social media for all to see. – Feb 5, 2025
