Ab Malik Hussain, 62, pleaded not guilty to the two charges after they were read before judge Azizah Ahmad, Bernama reported.

He was charged with making the offensive communications with the intention of offending others in a WhatsApp group at about 8.20pm on Nov 22 at Batu 10, Kampung Pulau Padang Bota Kiri in Perak Tengah.

Malik, who hails from Kota Bharu, Kelantan, was charged under Section 223(1)(a) of the Communications and Multimedia Act, punishable under Section 233(3) of the same Act.

He faces a maximum one year jail term or a fine of up to RM50,000, or both, if convicted.

Lawyer Khazali Yin asked for Malik to be allowed to post bail of RM3,000 for each charge as he is the family’s sole breadwinner and has two children, aged 13 and 10.

Khazali said Malik only received RM200 for each ceramah he gave, and only would get four to five offers to speak a month.

Azizah allowed bail of RM3,500 for each charge in one surety, and fixed Aug 14 for case mention.