KUALA LUMPUR: The public has been warned against issuing any statement or making comments on social media regarding the ongoing trial involving Rumah Bonda founder Siti Bainun Ahd Razali who is charged with neglecting and abusing a teenage girl with Down syndrome known as Bella.

       Sessions Court judge Izralizam Sanusi Izralizam said he agreed that Malaysians have the right to freedom of expression, but legal action could be taken against those who go overboard in their postings on social media.

       "The court would like to warn and remind the public especially those in the public gallery not to make any slanderous comments that are sub judice or contempt of court.

       "If such things happen, I believe that the prosecution can take appropriate action against the individuals involved because it clearly violates the law of contempt of court and sub judice,” he said.

       He said the trial was still ongoing and the fifth prosecution witness, Yasmin Nahar Mahmood had not finished testifying.

       "Do not overstep the law. There are code of ethics for lawyers while the prosecution and the public are subject to the laws.

       "The trial still has a long way to go and the fifth prosecution witness is still under cross-examination, so keep your comments that are sub judice and slanderous to yourself.

       “Do not spread them for the sake of gaining followers that can affect the course of this case,” said the judge.

       Earlier, Deputy Public Prosecutor Nor Azizah Mohamad told the court that there were comments related to the case made by the public on social media.

       "I would like to ask the court to warn the public against making postings that could be prejudicial to this case,” he said.

       Echoing the same sentiment Datuk Baljit Singh Sidhu, the lawyer appointed by Tunku Mahkota Johor Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim to hold a watching brief in the trial, said the issue also involved officers of the court. - Bernama