P Ramasamy, 66, pleaded guilty after the charge was read out to him before judge Siti Fatimah Talib at the Kuala Kubu Baharu magistrates’ court, Berita Harian reported.

The charge was framed under Section 4A(1) of the Election Offences Act 1954 for inciting hostility among different groups of voters.

The offence was committed at Taman Bukit Bunga, Kuala Kubu Baharu, on Saturday. Campaigning for the May 11 Kuala Kubu Baharu by-election is being held there.

Earlier, during the proceedings, Ramasamy said he was unaware that using the king’s portrait in an election campaign was an offence.

“I just wanted to liven up the election campaign here. So, once again, I beg for forgiveness and apologise,” he said.

However, deputy public prosecutor Asmah Che Wan said Ramasamy’s reasoning was unacceptable as the offence was an insult to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and the royal institution. She requested that a heavy sentence be imposed.

“Public interest outweighs the interests of the accused himself. The punishment can also provide a lesson to the public,” she said.