KUALA LUMPUR — Political blogger Wan Muhammad Azri Wan Deris, better known by his moniker “Papagomo”, was charged in the Magistrates’ Court here today with failing to update his business particulars in connection with public donations collected to settle a civil lawsuit involving Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The 42-year-old appeared before Magistrate Illi Marisqa Khalizan and claimed trial after the charge was read to him. He was named as the “person summoned” (Orang Kena Saman, OKS) in the case.
According to the charge sheet, Wan Muhammad Azri, as the person responsible for a registered business known as Invoice Solutions – a business involving event services and management – allegedly failed to submit an update on changes to the registered business details when the entity was used as a platform to receive contributions from members of the public. These contributions were purportedly collected to help him pay a court-awarded sum in a defamation suit filed against him by Anwar, under civil case number 23NCVC-37-03/2013.
The offence was alleged to have taken place between October 24, 2017 and November 30, 2017.
He was charged under Rule 17A(1)(b) of the Registration of Businesses Rules 1957 and is liable to be punished under Section 12A of the Registration of Businesses Act 1956. Upon conviction, the court may impose a fine of up to RM10,000, a maximum jail term of one year, or both.
During the proceedings, deputy public prosecutor Muhamad Anas Mahadzir applied for bail to be set at RM5,000 with one surety. He argued that the case concerns compliance with statutory obligations relating to the proper registration and use of business entities, especially when they are used as channels to receive public funds.
Defence counsel Muhammad Amirul Ar-Rasyid, representing Papagomo, urged the court to impose a lower bail amount. He submitted that his client is the main breadwinner for his family and is currently facing several other ongoing court matters, which together place significant financial strain on him.
After hearing submissions from both sides, Magistrate Illi Marisqa agreed to set a reduced bail amount. The court granted bail of RM2,500 with one surety and fixed January 30 next year for mention of the case, to allow time for the parties to prepare and for relevant documents to be completed.
The charge stems from a fundraising initiative in which public donations were allegedly channeled through Invoice Solutions to assist Wan Muhammad Azri in paying damages arising from Anwar’s defamation suit. While the present criminal case does not revisit the substantive issues of the defamation action, it focuses specifically on his alleged failure to comply with legal requirements governing the registration and updating of business information.
Papagomo has long been a controversial figure in Malaysia’s political and online landscape, known for outspoken commentary and content that frequently attracts public attention and legal scrutiny. This latest charge adds to his list of ongoing legal challenges and is expected to draw continued interest from observers, particularly given its link to a high-profile civil suit involving the sitting prime minister.
For now, he remains free on bail pending further proceedings, with the court scheduled to revisit the case early next year.