KUALA LUMPUR (May 2): Blogger Wan Muhammad Azri Wan Deris, or Papagomo, was charged in the Sessions Court here on Thursday with posting seditious articles against His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia on his X account.

Wan Muhammad Azri, 41, who is also a former Umno Youth exco member, pleaded not guilty to the charge before Judge Siti Aminah Ghazali.

He was charged with committing the offence at a condominium unit in Bukit Bintang here on April 29 at 12 noon.

The charge, under Section 4(1)(b) of the Sedition Act 1948 and punishable under Section 4(1) of the same act, provides for a maximum fine of RM5,000 or imprisonment of up to three years or both, upon conviction.

Deputy Public Prosecutors Khairul Azreem Mamat, Mohd Sabri Othman, and Abdul Malik Ayob prosecuted, while the accused was represented by lawyers Muhammad Rafique Rashid Ali and Logen Eskander Abdullah.

Earlier, Khairul Azreem informed the court that the prosecution did not propose bail, but if the court were to grant it, he recommended imposing a high amount, taking into account the seditious post involved the King.

"We also request a gag order so that the accused does not make any comments about this case. This order is necessary as a precautionary measure to ensure that no provocative comments are made," he said.

Muhammad Rafique sought bail for his client, saying Wan Muhammad Azri had to support his wife and five children.

Siti Aminah allowed the accused bail of RM15,000 in one surety and ordered him to report to a police station monthly until the case is settled.

"The gag order is not allowed, and the court sets May 23 for mention of the case," she said.