Local entrepreneur and celebrity, Aliff Syukri was charged with four counts of posting offensive material on his Instagram account in connection with his contentious Kelepok Raya music video at the Sessions Court in Selangor today.
The allegations were read to the 35-year-old before Sessions judge Ahmad Rizki Abdul Jalil to which Aliff pleaded not guilty.
He was charged with four charges of intentionally upsetting others by posting four clips, all of which were associated with the music video.
Between April 13 and April 21, he reportedly posted the material on his Instagram account under the username “aliffsyukriterlajaklaris.”
Previously, Aliff was called to give evidence at the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commissions to assist in an investigation regarding the music video which was made in conjunction with Aidilfitri and was allegedly linked to elements contrary to local norms and culture.
The teaser of the music video uploaded by Aliff on social media was criticised by many parties because it showed a group of male dancers with make-up and feminine personalities dancing and lying on top of each other. Apparently, viewers felt uneasy with the contents of the video, especially with it being released during Ramadan which is a holy month for Muslims.
Malaysia’s history with both genders appearing the opposite of the stereotypical man or woman has never sat well with the majority of the public. Not to forget, the country’s continuous discrimination and crackdown towards the LGBTQ community has also perpetuated an endless cycle of hate and violence.
Read also: Doxxing is a crime in Malaysia, except for when it targets the LGTBQ community|Coconuts
However, it is important to note that this is not the first time Aliff Syukri has courted controversy and while we cannot say for sure, we can only speculate that he does it for cheap publicity to promote his cosmetic products.
Deputy public prosecutor Fazril Sani Mohamed Fadzil suggested bail at RM10,000 for each offence.
Aliff Syukri’s lawyer Hasshahari Johari Mawi told the court that his client was self-employed and has a wife with five children.
“There has never been an instance that he did not cooperate in this case.
“The court can see that he has appeared here today to face the charges,” Hasshahari said.
Aliff was not a flight risk, according to his lawyer, and many people relied on his business for a living.
“This is only a summons case and the accused faces fines while the prison time is only at the court’s discretion,” he added.
Awang Armadajaya Awang Mahmud, another lawyer representing Aliff, suggested a bail amount of RM1,500 for each offence.
“Bail is not meant to be punitive. Our client will give his guarantee that he would attend each of the proceedings,” he said.
Judge Ahmad Rizki fixed bail at RM5,000 for each of the charges. In total, Aliff was made to pay RM20,000 bail in one surety.
