Rafizi fined RM1,800 for insulting and provoking Umno members

PETALING JAYA: The Sessions Court today fined Pandan MP Rafizi Ramli RM1,800 after finding him guilty of insulting and provoking Umno members in 2014.
Judge Azwarnida Ariffin, in reading out the judgement, said the prosecution had proved the PKR secretary-general's guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
She said that Rafizi should be more "sensitive and mindful" of public statements he makes as he is a lawmaker.
"The said interview article was supposed to be about Kajang move, but the remarks went beyond the scope of the Kajang move," she added.
She said even though no real disorder was caused by the remarks, the 'tendency and intention' was enough to prove Rafizi's guilt in the case.
"The court hopes he learns his lesson and will be more sensitive in issuing public statements in future," she added.
Rafizi, 39, was charged with committing the offence at the office of The Edge Malaysia Communication Sdn Bhd in Menara KLK, Jalan PJU 7/6, Mutiara Damansara, at about 11.40am on Feb 4, 2014.
The charge under the Penal Code carries a maximum imprisonment of two years or fine, or both on conviction.
Rafizi was represent by counsel Eric Paulsen while DPP Roslan Mat Nor prosecuted the case.
Rafizi could have been disqualified from his MP position had he been sentenced to either two years imprisonment or fined RM2,000 and above.
Outside of court, Rafizi, who paid the fine, said he would not appeal against the decision.
"But I would not know if the prosecution would do so," he added.
Rafizi also hoped that if any elected representative was to be charged in court for similar offence, it would be in the civil and not criminal court.
"I am the first (to be charged in criminal sessions court) and I hope I am the last," he said.