JOHOR BAHRU: The High Court has issued a gag order against Badrul Hisham Shaharin, popularly known as Chegubard, and a member of the Bersatu information committee, preventing him from making any statements regarding the ongoing casino case in Forest City, Iskandar Puteri.
Judge Datuk Abu Bakar Katar highlighted that the respondent is facing charges related to sedition and defamation against the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
Abu Bakar said that without the gag order, allowing Chegubard to speak freely could compromise the position of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong as the head of state, especially in addressing issues raised on social media.
"The failure of the Sessions Court judge to acknowledge the real and significant risk of Chegubard reposting seditious content against the Yang di-Pertuan Agong underscores the necessity of this gag order.
"This court upholds the principle that freedom of speech is not absolute and is subject to legal restrictions.
A gag order has been enforced on Chegubard until the trial concludes.
On April 30, Chegubard pleaded not guilty when charged with publishing seditious materials concerning the casino project in Forest City at the Sessions Court last Friday.
Chegubard, 45, maintained his not guilty plea when the charges were brought before Judge Rasidah Roslee.
The judge reportedly dismissed the application for the gag order, citing the prosecution's failure to present written evidence or affidavits demonstrating that Chegubard or associated parties would prejudice the trial's fairness.