Activist questions consistency of law as guard fined RM50,000, politician RM5,000 for insulting Agong

Peter John Jaban (file photo)

By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, June 25: Global Human Rights Federation deputy president Peter John Jaban has raised concerns over the fairness and consistency of the law following the sentencing of a 46-year-old security guard to eight months’ imprisonment and a RM50,000 fine for posting offensive remarks about the Yang di-Pertuan Agong on Facebook, compared to a RM5,000 fine imposed on a Sarawakian politician for a similar offence earlier last year.

In a statement today, the Sarawak rights activist said the recent case has sparked important questions about public confidence in the consistent application of the law.

He stressed that the issue was not whether laws governing online speech should exist, noting that laws must be respected and individuals held accountable for their actions.

“However, in a democratic society, enforcement must always be carried out in a manner that is fair, consistent and transparent,” he said.

According to him, the public must be assured that the same legal principles apply equally to all individuals, regardless of their social background, occupation, status or influence.

“The rule of law must protect the dignity and rights of all citizens, while also ensuring respect for institutions and individuals,” he said.

Peter John questioned the apparent disparity between the penalties imposed in two separate cases involving insults against the King.

“A question that many ordinary Malaysians may ask: Why RM5,000 for a politician and RM50,000 for a poor security guard?

“Are taxpayers contributing to a system that protects only the interests and dignity of those in positions of power, or is the system designed to protect the rights, dignity and justice of every citizen equally?” he asked.

He was referring to a case in January 2025 when the Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court fined a former PKR leader Iswardy Morni RM5,000, or six months’ imprisonment in default, for insulting the Yang di-Pertuan Agong on his Facebook page four years earlier. The court had taken into consideration that it was Iswardy’s first offence.

Peter John said public institutions exist because they are supported by the people, and every Malaysian who contributes through taxes has the right to expect a justice system that is fair, balanced and applied without fear or favour.

While expressing respect for the independence of the courts and the legal process, he said public confidence can only be strengthened when laws are applied consistently and when citizens believe that justice is not determined by a person’s position or influence.

“Justice must not only be done; it must also be seen to be done fairly,” he said. — DayakDaily