After conviction quashed, ex-technician charged again

After conviction quashed, ex-technician charged again

Published: Apr 18, 2024 1:47 PM


UPDATED 3.50PM | The story has been reangled to reflect the latest development.

Former technician Chiok Wai Loong was charged again in the Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court over the alleged comments on the controversial socks with the word Allah after the High Court quashed his sentence earlier today.

Before Sessions Court judge Siti Aminah Ghazali this afternoon, the 35-year-old accused pleaded not guilty over the charge under Section 233(1)(a) of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.

The lower court then set bail of RM5,000 in one surety and set May 23 for mention of the case. His family was seen at the bail counter of the Kuala Lumpur Courts Complex this afternoon to arrange the posting of bail and his release.

Previously on March 22, Chiok pleaded guilty to the charge, which was read to him before another Sessions Court judge, Suzana Hussin.

Chiok had admitted to making the offensive comments on Facebook and apologised, saying he did not do it on purpose. He was then convicted and sentenced to six months in jail and fined RM12,000. He was not represented by any lawyers at the time.

However, upon Chiok having secured legal representation from lawyers Latheefa Koya and N Surendran, the Kuala Lumpur High Court earlier today allowed the accused's review application to quash the conviction and sentence.


Unclear, unconditional, inadmissible

High Court judge Ahmad Bache ruled that Chiok's confession was not clear, unconditional, and inadmissible, as reported by Berita Harian.

The decision was made after the judge heard arguments from both the prosecution and defence.

Ahmad also ruled that Chiok should face fresh charges as soon as possible.

Deputy public prosecutor Kalmizah Salleh prosecuted.

Police arrested Chiok on March 20, two days after he uploaded a post which allegedly joked that the socks with the word Allah printed on them should be welcomed as it meant the person wearing it has Allah’s protection “from head to toe”.

He was also alleged to have edited a photo of blue socks with his face on them and purportedly quipped that this meant he had insulted himself.

Previously, Chiok apologised after being confronted by an influencer silat instructor and his friends. His personal details were also circulated across social media.