Chow admitted to using the social media site to post offensive comments to hurt others' feelings.

Complainant Mohamed Fairuz Mohamed Ariff read the comment made on the Facebook account "Chow Jack 982", at the KL Performing Arts Centre on Jalan Stratchan, Sentul on June 12.

Though Chow was read a charge under the Sedition Act, he instead pleaded guilty to the alternate charge under Section 233(1)(a) of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.

Chow, who wore a pink t-shirt and jeans, was seen crying when speaking to his mother before court proceedings.

However, Chow appeared to regain his composure after waiting almost two hours in the dock before his charges were read.

DPP Suhaimi Ibrahim urged the court to hand down a heavy sentence to show that the court will not compromise with any party that believes they can upset religious sensitivities, in the name of absolute freedom of speech.

However, Chow's counsel Ahmad Ridza Mohd Noh pleaded for a lenient sentence, saying his client regretted his actions and had proved it by taking responsibility for them.

Judge Azman Mustapha sentenced Chow to one year in prison, the maximum under the Communications and Multimedia Act.

"The laws are clear that public interest trumps mitigation.

"In this case, public interest is served by showing them that people cannot hide behind social media when making such statements," ruled judge Azman. (***)

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