https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asi...cial-media

KUALA LUMPUR •

Quote:A Malaysian has been jailed for 10 years, and three others charged over insults against Islam and Prophet Muhammad on social media, the police said yesterday.

The sentence is believed to be the harshest such penalty on record in the Muslim-majority country, where concerns over racial and religious tensions have grown in recent months.

Inspector-General of Police Mohamad Fuzi Harun said in a statement that the person, who was not identified, had pleaded guilty to 10 charges of misusing communication networks. The offence carries a maximum penalty of one year in jail or a fine of up to RM50,000 (S$16,600), or both.

The sentences were meted out consecutively, Tan Sri Mohamad Fuzi said.

Utusan Malaysia newspaper identified the man as 22-year old Alister Cogia from Sarawak, which used the Facebook account Ayea Yea, which has apparently been shut down.

Another social media user had also pleaded guilty and a sentencing hearing will be held tomorrow.

Two others had pleaded not guilty and were being held without bail.

All four were charged under laws against causing racial disharmony, incitement and misusing communications networks.

"The police advise the public not to abuse social media or communication networks by uploading or sharing any form of provocation that can affect religious or racial sensitivities, causing racial tensions within this country's diverse community," Mr Mohamad Fuzi said.

Last Thursday, Minister in Charge of Religious Affairs Mujahid Yusof Rawa said the Islamic Affairs Department had set up a unit to monitor writings and communications insulting Islam and Prophet Muhammad.

He said the ministry would not compromise on any acts insulting the religion and called for punishments against those found guilty of such.

Imagine that... A country where Islam is practiced by about 2/3rds of the population, jails people for speaking out against that religion.

Another fun fact about Malaysia, for the LGBT among us...

“Minister in charge of religious affairs”,

Yea, great. What could possibly go wrong there?

(03-16-2019 06:16 PM)JMUDunk Wrote:  “Minister in charge of religious affairs”,

Yea, great. What could possibly go wrong there?

I think they use the term Minister like the Brits do. The UK Minister of Health works at the Ministry of Health, etc.