In a significant legal development, blogger Wan Muhammad Azri Wan Deris, widely recognized as Papagomo, entered a plea of not guilty in the Magistrate's Court on Friday, December 19. He faces a serious charge for allegedly failing to inform the relevant authorities about changes in business details related to his company.
This charge specifically pertains to his business, Invoice Solutions, which was reportedly utilized to gather public donations aimed at covering a defamation fine linked to a case involving Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The 42-year-old blogger made his plea after the magistrate, Illi Marisqa Khalizan, read the charges against him. He stands accused of not disclosing alterations in the registered particulars of his service and event management company while it was being used to collect funds for settling this particular fine.
It is alleged that this oversight occurred between October 24, 2017, and November 30, 2017. The charge falls under Rule 17A(1)(b) of the Business Registration Rules of 1957, carrying penalties stipulated in Section 12A of the Business Registration Act of 1956. If found guilty, Papagomo could face a hefty maximum fine of RM10,000, imprisonment for up to one year, or potentially both sanctions.
During the proceedings, Deputy Public Prosecutor Muhamad Anas Mahadzir sought to set bail at RM5,000 with one surety. In contrast, Papagomo's attorney, Muhammad Amirul Ar-Rasyid, argued for a lower bail amount, emphasizing that his client is the main financial provider for his family and is concurrently dealing with multiple other legal challenges. Ultimately, the court granted bail at RM2,500 with a single surety requirement.
The next hearing date has been scheduled for January 30, where further developments in this case will be discussed. This unfolding situation raises questions about accountability in business practices and the implications of public fundraising efforts for legal expenses, making it a topic worth following closely.
