Chegubard Charged with Sedition Over Royal Institution Post

Political activist Badrul Hisham Shaharin, widely known as Chegubard, has been charged with sedition for allegedly posting content that incited hatred towards the Negeri Sembilan royal institution. The 48-year-old appeared at the Sessions Court and pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The accusation stems from a Facebook post made on May 26, which prosecutors claim contained seditious material. The post was reportedly uploaded around 8:30 p.m. on Jalan Besar Seri Menanti, Kuala Pilah. Chegubard is being prosecuted under Section 4(1)(c) of the Sedition Act 1948, with potential penalties including a fine of up to RM5,000, a maximum of three years imprisonment, or both.

During the court proceedings, Deputy Public Prosecutor Datuk Ahmad Sazali Omar requested bail of no less than RM10,000, emphasizing the sensitive nature of the post concerning the royal institution. He also sought a court order to prohibit Chegubard from making any public comments related to the ongoing case involving the state's monarchy.

Chegubard's legal team will now prepare to defend him against these charges, which carry significant penalties under Malaysian law. The case highlights the strict regulations surrounding speech related to the country's royal families.