[Public Prosecutor vs Rutinin Bin Sulaiman – K42-60-2010]
As can be seen above, this provision is worded widely. The initiation of
network usage need not be continuous. Therefore, a single instance of
network usage would suffice. Communication need not necessarily ensue in
the process. This means that a solitary posting of remark on a website which
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did not elicit a reply is caught by this provision. It is also not relevant
whether the accused had revealed his identity or otherwise during resession
when the communication in question was made. The crucial ingredient of
this offence is as follows:
1. That the accused person had made the communication in question
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through a network facility.
2. The communication was made with “with intent to annoy, abuse,
threaten or harass any person”.
The learned Session Court Judge should have therefore considered whether:
1. On the evidence adduced by the prosecution, whether direct or
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circumstantial, he could rule that the accused person initiated the
communication in question.
2. Whether the communication in question, i.e. “Sultan Perak Sudah
gilaaaaaa!!!!” is either annoying or abusive.
3. Whether the accused had intention to annoy or abuse any person.
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After having considered all the arguments of the learned DPP and learned
counsel for respondent, it is my opinion that this appeal should be allowed.
My reasons are as follows:
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