KUALA LUMPUR (Jan 20): The Attorney General's Chambers (AGC) has rejected a letter of representation by Crackhouse Comedy Club co-owner Mohamad Rizal Johan Van Geyzel to drop the three charges brought against him over social media postings which had allegedly incited racial sentiments.

Deputy public prosecutor Noor Haslinda Che Seman informed Sessions Court judge Nor Hasniah Ab Razak of the AGC's decision about the letter of representation sent on Dec 12 during a brief mention on Friday.

Following this, Mohamad Rizal's counsel Pravin Mahentharan, informed the court that they will be sending a second letter of representation for the charges to be dropped coupled with other new grounds.

Pravin also informed the court that they will need two to three weeks to send the second representation letter.

Judge Nor Hasniah then fixed April 6 for the next mention. She also set April 14 for the start of the trial.  

Mohamad Rizal, 39, was charged last July for making and initiating the transmission of offensive communications with intent to offend others through his social media posts.

The three charges were framed under Section 233(1)(a) of the Communications and Multimedia Act (CMA) 1998 which deals with improper use of network facilities or network services.

The offences are punishable under Section 233(3) of the same act and he is liable among others, to a fine not exceeding RM50,000 or imprisonment not exceeding one year or both.

Mohamad Rizal pleaded not guilty and claimed trial. The court set bail at RM 12,000 with one surety. He was also ordered to surrender his passport.