KiniTV, director charged over two videos

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysiakini’s sister company, KiniTV, and its director, Steven Gan, were hit with four criminal charges related to the airing of two allegedly offensive videos on its website in July.

KiniTV, represented by Gan, claimed trial to allegedly uploading two videos that were considered offensive with the intent to annoy others.

The two videos — one in English and one in Bahasa Malaysia — were of a press conference held by former Batu Kawan Umno division chief Datuk Seri Khairuddin Abu Hassan.

Titled “Khairuddin: Apandi Ali is not fit to be AG and he should quit immediately” and “Khairuddin: Apandi Ali tidak layak jadi AG wajar segera letak jawatan”, the videos were published on July 27.

Gan was charged under Section 233(1)(a) of the Multimedia Act 1998 for improper network use, which carries a maximum fine of RM50,000, a maximum of a year’s jail, or both, upon conviction.

He also faces two separate charges as KiniTV director under Section 244(1) of the same act, which carries the same penalty upon conviction.

Sessions Court judge Zaman Mohd Noor fixed bail at a personal bond of RM2,000 without surety for each of the four charges.

Deputy public prosecutor Mohd Sophian Zakaria asked the court to impose RM10,000 bail for KiniTV and Gan.

“This is to secure their attendance during proceedings,” he said.

However, Fahri Azzat, appearing for KiniTV and Gan, objected, saying his clients were not flight risks.

“He (Gan) has served with Malaysiakini for almost 17 years and is determined to fight this case,” he said.

The court fixed Jan 3 for case management.