The accused, Prajiv Lionel Proctor, 39, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge which was read out to him before judge Maziah Joary Mohd Tajudin.

Proctor, a bachelor, was charged with committing the offence by posting the contemptuous remarks which could be read by netizens on the “Bantal Busuk” Facebook profile page.

The offence was allegedly committed at about 1pm at KM4 Bukit Piatu, Melaka Tengah district on Dec 29, 2019.

The offence under Section 233(1)(a) of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 (Act 588) is punishable under Section 233(3) of the same, which provides for a fine of not exceeding RM50,000 or a jail term of up to one year or both, as well as a fine of RM1,000 per day for continuing the offence.

Earlier, deputy public prosecutor N. Sivashangari requested for a bail of RM15,000.

However, counsel Tan Chow Teng requested for a bail of RM3,000, saying that Proctor, a volunteer with a non-governmental organisation, has cancer of the thyroid, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD).

He is also looking after his old parents while not having a steady income, Tan said.

The accused was also represented by counsel Cassian Anthony and Andy Fong.

Maziah Joary then allowed the accused bail of RM5,000 with one surety and the case mention was set for Jan 17, 2022.