Judge Norma Ismail delivered the decision this morning, ruling that the prosecution had failed to establish a prima facie case against Badrul, also known as Chegubard, at the close of the prosecution’s case.

“The accused is discharged and acquitted without having to enter his defence,” she said.

Lawyer Rafique Rashid Ali represented Badrul while deputy public prosecutor Sabri Othman appeared for the prosecution.

On April 29 last year, Badrul had pleaded not guilty to a charge of making defamatory remarks that could tarnish the good name of the king.

He was said to have committed the offence at Istana Negara at 6pm on Jan 22 of the same year.

The charge was framed under Section 500 of the Penal Code, which carries a maximum sentence of two years’ imprisonment or a fine, or both, upon conviction.

A total of four prosecution witnesses were called to testify — the complainant from Istana Negara, two witnesses from the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission, and the investigating officer.