The former Editor-in-Chief of The Edge is accused of defaming an individual with the title Datuk
PETALING JAYA: The former Editor-in-Chief of The Edge Communications Sdn Bhd was brought before two Magistrates’ Courts here today on two charges of defaming a Datuk and four companies through the publication of two articles in The Edge Malaysia.
Ahmad Azam Mohd Aris, 61, now a part-time editor at The Edge news portal pleaded not guilty after the charges were read before Magistrates Zhafran Rahim Hamzah and Nurshahira Abdul Salim.
In front of Zhafran, the accused was charged with defaming Datuk Kua Khai Shyuan, 38, and Syarikat DGB Asia Berhad by publishing an article in The Edge Malaysia Number 1337 dated 21 Sept to 27 Sept 2020, which the accusation would damage the reputation of the individual and the company concerned.
While in front of Nurshahira he was also accused of defaming Kua and the companies DGB Asia, Trive Property Group Berhad, Metronic Global Berhad and MNC Wireless Berhad by publishing an article in The Edge Malaysia Number 1365 dated 12 April to 18 April 2021 which the accusation will damage the reputation the individual and the four companies concerned.
The two acts were allegedly committed at The Edge Communications Sdn Bhd, Level 3, Menara KLK, Mutiara Damansara, here on 21 Sept 2020 and 12 April 2021.
Both charges are under Section 500 of the Penal Code which carries a maximum jail term of two years or a fine or both, upon conviction.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Siti Maryam Jamilah Md Kamal who handled the prosecution before Zhafran and Farhanah Fuad Mohamad Faiz who represented the prosecution before Nurshahira each offered RM8,000 bail with one surety against the accused.
During the proceedings before Nurshahira, Farhanah informed that another accused, Shanmugam Murugasu did not appear in court today and requested that he be released without acquittal (DNAA) to be accused again.
Lawyer Rajsurian Pillai who represented Ahmad Azam asked for the bail to be reduced on the grounds that his client has high blood pressure and diabetes and has three dependent children who are still studying.
“My client has cooperated throughout the investigation and he himself appeared in court today even though he was informed late yesterday afternoon,” he said, adding that the amount of bail was only to ensure the presence of the accused in court and not as a punishment.
The lawyer said Shanmugam, who is also the Editor of The Edge, is currently out of the country and he will return next week to face the following charges.
Nurshahira then released without releasing Shanmugam for him to be accused hereafter.
He also allowed Ahmad Azam to be bailed at RM500 with one surety while Zhafran set bail at RM2,500 with one surety.
Both courts set Nov. 22 for the re-mention of the case.
source – BERNAMA
