Fahmi was slapped with a charge under Section 233(1)(a) of the Communications and Multimedia Act (CMA), with the prosecution contending that he uploaded the post on Feb 10, 2021 with the intention to annoy others.

The tweet in question touches on the 2021 Cabinet policy that allowed ministers to observe a three-day quarantine, instead of 10 days, after they returned from overseas.

Adham was the health minister from March 2020 to August 2021. He is currently the science, technology and innovation minister.

If convicted, Fahmi faces a maximum fine of RM50,000 or a one-year jail sentence.

Judge Sabariah Othman allowed Fahmi bail of RM5,000 in one surety and fixed March 30 for next mention.

Fahmi was represented by Rajsurian Pillai while deputy public prosecutor Najihah Farhana Che Awang appeared for the prosecution.

Earlier this week, Fahmi said police had informed him that he would face a charge under the CMA. “I will fight this charge in court. Satire is not a crime,” he said.

Last month, Bukit Aman had also recorded his statement over a satirical poster that resembles a state’s coat of arms. The poster depicts a tree and two axes, with an inscription of the words “House of Balak”.

Fahmi had also been charged in 2016 over his clown caricature of former prime minister Najib Razak.