Ong Chuan Jin, 63, who ran for the Bagan Jermal seat, entered his plea after the charge was read before judge Nor Azah Kasran at the Butterworth sessions court, Utusan Malaysia reported.

He was accused of using the Pahang state honorific on his name cards despite never officially being awarded any such title or medal.

The offence was allegedly committed at a house on Jalan Raja Uda in Butterworth, at around 1pm in May 2022.

Ong was charged under Section 3(1)(d) of the Pahang Emblems, Titles, or Awards (Prevention of Improper Use) Enactment 2017, which provides for a maximum sentence of five years in prison, a fine of up to RM500,000, or both, upon conviction.

Deputy public prosecutor Rifaie Riyaludin initially proposed bail of RM30,000. However, Ong’s lawyer, Ong Chin Wen, appealed for a reduction, saying his client was unemployed.

“My client is only involved in charity work and has been cooperative throughout the investigation,” he said.

The court granted bail of RM10,000 with one surety and set April 29 for case mention.